Continuing to masculinize?

[Ingrid1999]

I am curious, I am 43 has testosterone finished its job on me by now or does it continue to masculinize you after maturity?

Other than body hair (removing), and (pattern baldness) too late, Ive managed OK I guess. Im not as cute as I was in my 20s of course, but things could have been worse. What I want to know is does the masculinization process ever end.

Also, I don't see transition in my near future, but can antiandrogen kind of "hold the line". I don't mind aging so much I just don't want to look like an old man.

If I am never able to transition, a nice happy elegant androgynous middle ground maturity would be a blessing.

Thanks for any info.

[Gerrijerry]

as you age the amount of testosterone in your system does reduce. The effect that most talk about is a loss of strenth, a need for more sleep, and of course less desire for sex. All of that does depend on each persons personal history (health issues) and family traites. the age that this all starts happening varies greatly from person to person. If you are looking for an average I would have to say starting at about 50 a slow reduction over many years. If there is a medical condition that greatly effect the amount of testosterone most see a doctor to restore the level. Now if you are CD or TS you may think that having less male hormones in your system is better. That is only true if it is replaced with female hormones there must be a balance so the body can adjust to change.

[Stephanie Anne]

Transition is 20% appearance and 80% perseverance. Testosterone will continue to be utilized in your body until after male menopause which can be anywhere from 50-70 depending on genetics.

[JohnH]

I feel that my masculinization process has sort of ceased - my skin has gotten softer and my breasts have emerged in the past year. I don't have male pattern baldness since that does not run in the family. So what I have probably is andropause. Next time I have blood work done I will make sure that a testosterone test is run and have the results. If the testosterone level is too low I think I would pursue taking estrogen.

I am 58 years of age.

Johanna

[Stephenie S]

Personally, I think it never stops.

S

[Ingrid1999]

Thats what Im worried about.
I just don't want this to get any worse than it already has.

[CharleneT]

"IT" is only as bad as you let it make you feel. Technically, no your body will not get "more male" as you get older. In fact, in some respects, you'll get less male as the level of testosterone drops. Ask your doc for the complete story, but the problem with just an anti-androgen is that your body needs to have a controlling sex hormone. Either Estrogen or Testosterone. Your health depends on it. If you knock out T, but do not replace it, you can get yourself into trouble. It is not instant trouble, but also not a good idea for much more than a few months.

[Ingrid1999]

Thank you Charlene.
And everyone else too.

Honestly, the idea of being prescribed more testosterone is mortifying.

Not to get into my personal psychology too deep, but I have always had feeling that my body was working hard to masculinize me, despite my mind trying not to, taking pieces of me away little at a time. Like turning into the Hulk or something if that makes any sense. So even if I am not ready -- or ultimately right for transition-- I desperately would like the mascuilization to at least stop where it is (roll it back a good bit would be nice too).

Forgive me for my sometimes basic or ignorant posts, but I've never had anyone to talk to about this stuff before.
Thank you

[JohnH]

I would certainly not want to take any testosterone medications.

I would go with estrogen instead of testosterone. I really do not want to go bald on my head and I do not want more of my fine hair on my body to coarsen any more than it is, not to mention possible problems with an enlarged prostate and possible prostate cancer on down the line. Besides I admit I'm transgendered - why else would I wear dresses, etc? I would like bigger breasts and a larger butt, and my voice pitch would remain the same which I want - it would not get any higher as far as I know.

Having said that, if I had normal testosterone levels I might not tamper around with my testosterone levels so that I could take estrogen. In that case I would likely leave well enough alone.

Johanna

[Inna]

If you are done with kids, but seriously think of feminising, NOW is the time. It is never too late to stop the process I call, "neandrethalization". Testosterone was only good for waging wars, fights, bloody hunt, and what we have been "blessed with" wide thick bone, thick textured tough rhinoceros skin, Arnoldian chins, bazooka thunder farts, and hair where there should not be hair at all and absence of hair where they should.
So if you see my picture, STOP THE POISON! sooner the better. Seriously though, after 40 testosterone absorption slows, 55-70 significantly. If you stop it now with testosterone blockers, you will have a greater chance for significant feminisation in later years. As I always say, it is never too late but sooner is better! Love ya, Alexia.

[amielts]

I don't think you continue to masculinise at that age.

[Hope]

Absolutely. Testosterone continues to work it's evil until quite late in life, until it has dropped off in the blood to such an extent that it is sometimes hard to distinguish the old men in nursing homes from the old women... The sooner you get rid of the toxin, the better off you will be, and it sounds from your follow up - the better off you will feel.

Go see a doctor, get a prescription for Spiro. You don't have to go all out and go on E, or dress full time, or anything else if you don't want... there is no wrong way to do this. Just do what makes you feel right.