Howdy, I’m making this post because when I started T I searched the internet for people's experiences in the early months, and I wanted to be that for someone. There is some discussion of bottom growth/sex/masturbation, though I’ve marked it with spoilers.

I currently take Testosterone Cypionate injected at 100 mg weekly, and at my last blood test I was in the ~700 ng/dL range for T. I have my next blood test in a few weeks, so we’ll see if that holds true. I started, for the first month or so, on Testosterone Ethanate 100 mg/weekly but I switched after having a mild allergic reaction. I have had no issues since switching to Cypionate

First Week

Getting my first shot was anticlimactic. I’d had training from a nurse but did my first shot at home. I noticed the first week I had a little bit of hair growth on my inner thighs, and I had some sensitivity downstairs. Didn’t hurt, but it was noticeable.

First Month

I noticed I had an increased amount of energy the first few weeks (it has since subsided). I described it as like, not libido increases energy but wanting to fight a bear energy.

I also noticed I had a scratchy throat in the mornings the first few weeks, but it would go away if I drank water. My facial hair became slightly darker (I already had a ghost stache pre-T). The smell of my urine changed, I don’t notice it now. I had an increased appetite, specifically for protein and vegetables. I also noticed I got dehydrated quicker and I still do today.

Discussion of bottom growth and sex As for my libido, it was pretty high before and it has stayed consistently high. Haven’t really been interested in sex due to personal reasons, but my Hitachi is getting its money's worth. I also noticed which kinks I was into changed slightly, but that’s neither here nor there.

Second Month

Early into the second month my voice had a noticeable drop, to the point that family and coworkers commented on it. I’d describe it at this point as a mild cold, and I still had most of my upper register. The hair on my arms got darker (according to my family), and I noticed more hair on my inner thighs and stomach.

I’ve had a bit of weight gain, but I noticed the appetite suppressant aspect of my ADHD meds is stronger. I was told by my mom (we see each other about once a month) that my hands looked larger/more manly at this point but I’m unsure myself. My skin also started to get oilier

Discussion of bottom growth and masturbation I had some bottom growth, I feel like the hood grew more before the actual clit if that makes sense? It didn’t affect my ability to get off. Orgasms feel different, I have less of a ‘fuzzy’ headspace after. Nowadays I get a burst of energy, or I just feel like I’m back to baseline. Also like…I feel the urge to be more vocal when I orgasms? Less seeing stars and more like a release.

Third Month and Beyond

I began growing dark patchy facial hair underneath my chin, it looks neckbeardy so I shaved it but it’s there!!! Hair growth/darkening continues to be a thing, my upper thighs are about fully covered now, before they had a very light/peach fuzz texture but now it’s Hair. I also started growing ass hair, and like. Tip for y’all out there if you can PLEASE invest in a bidet (I cannot due to my student housing restrictions.) If not, use baby wipes.

My skin is noticeably oilier now, I’m not great about washing my face multiple times a day but I sure feel like I need to. I’ve started getting acne on my cheeks, forehead, shoulders. I was given advice that the Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash is good for body acne, I’m waiting for my current body wash to run out before I invest.

My voice has dropped further, I’ve unlocked more of my lower register but now I have strong voice cracks and my upper register is a scratchy mess. I can no longer do an uwu voice or say “yipee!”

I find I need to shower more often, before I could go a day or two without needing to, but now I feel gross if I don’t shower once a day. The Man Stank has begun y’all.

It was also at this point that I noticed since starting T that I rarely cry anymore. Pre-T I would cry at least once a week if not more. I still feel a full range of emotions, but I don’t really cry. It’s kind of nice honestly. I also notice I get irritated more easily. I haven’t been actively exercising a ton, but I can do a proper pushup now! I really need to get started with weight lifting.

Things I Haven't Noticed/ Misc Info

I’ve had no noticeable changes for ADHD symptoms while medicated (minus appetite suppressants). I haven’t noticed any fat redistribution in my face or body. I have an IUD, so I can’t comment on my period disappearing, I still get cramps a lot and T has not made that go away.

Overall people say I look happier, I’ve noticed in photos I recognize myself. Pre-Transition I had times I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror, and I haven't felt that since transitioning. Recently, when I look in the mirror I recognize myself as a guy, even if I’m not binding. I’m really excited to get top surgery, but I have to wait at least a year after starting T if I want it covered under insurance (I do not have the 8k lying around for non-insured top surgery lol).

Socially, dating is different as a guy but I haven’t really been in a rush to be in a relationship as I’m still trying to figure myself out as I transition. I think my attraction may have changed, but it’s a struggle to pinpoint what of that is the T and what’s just…Me being in college and figuring myself out. This is anecdotal, but around the time I started T I lost attraction to my girlfriend, we broke up.

One thing I was told a lot while researching is to not expect much, especially for the first six months. I think it’s good advice because it sets expectations lower, but I was surprised at certain effects coming in sooner than I thought they would (voice drop, hair growth). Overall I’m very happy with my results so far and I’m excited to see how else I change in the upcoming months and years!