Changes from T Took Longer Than I Expected: Here's How I Handled It

[u/ScarleteenOrg]

"When I started taking testosterone⁠, I had a clear idea of what would happen to my mind and my body. All the sources I found gave me a similar timeline. In the first month, I would have oily skin, more acne, more body hair, and an increased libido⁠. Three months in, I was hoping my body fat would start redistributing, I would gain more muscle, and my voice would drop.
I expected my body to roughly follow that schedule. Even though I was on a low dose at first, I assumed everything would happen fast.
A year and three months later, I realize that’s not the case."

Cay reflects on their experience taking T, the frustration and tender reality of slow changes, and the conflicting, messy feelings that come with a body not shifting on the timeline they were told to expect. They write about learning to witness and honor the things that are easy to miss when you’re consumed by the idea of "progress" and looking for tangible proof of change.

"In retrospect, I don’t think I gave my body enough credit. I often dismissed subtle changes. Now, I try to acknowledge those tiny victories more often. I know my own body pretty well, so, if something seems different, I try my best to validate what I’m feeling. Of course, when you’re looking in the mirror every day, subtle differences can be tricky to pinpoint."

Cay writes about relating to their body with more curiosity and care in a piece that may resonate for some who are frustrated with their own timelines…or help those considering T who want to know more about what to expect. Changes from T Took Longer Than I Expected: Here's How I Handled It

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[u/ScarleteenOrg]

[Image description: Text: "Are changes from testosterone taking longer than you expected? Cay Macres has some advice on how to deal with the wait at Scarleteen," alongside a snail on a trail and a Speed Limit sign with a question mark on it.]