Some trans people modify their bodies to feel more comfortable or to feel at home in a body they finally recognize to be their own. Modifications can be permanent or temporary. Forms of modifications that can make one's body more feminine, masculine, or androgynous may include wearing makeup, clothing and dress, removing or growing hair, binding and tucking body parts, ink or tattoos, piercings, hormone therapy, silicone injections (see Health Care page for more information on silicone injections), and various surgeries to implant, remove, or tailor body parts.

Not all trans people (regardless of their specific trans identity) feel the need to modify their bodies. Though for trans people who need to modify their bodies, it is a medical necessity and not elective nor cosmetic.

If you are interested in body modification be sure to see a professional health provider who works with trans people. Discuss with them any questions, concerns, and make sure you fully understand any permanent and temporary effects of the modification. It's important that you work with your health provider(s) to explore your options and make the right choices for yourself so you are healthy and happy, and so they can monitor your health care (see Health Care page for links to health providers).

A Transgender Hormone Therapy Primer

Some basic information about effects of hormones therapy.

Hormones: A guide for FTMs

Comprehensive information about hormones to masculinize one's body published in 2006.

Hormones: A guide for MTFs

Comprehensive information about hormones to feminize one's body published in 2006.

Surgery: A guide for FTMs

Surgery options to masculinize one's body published in 2006.

Surgery: A guide for MTFs

Surgery options to feminize one's body published in 2006.

All About Hormonal Therapy: Testosterone

Fact sheet about testosterone by the Dimensions Health Clinic in San Francisco.

All About Hormonal Therapy: Estrogen

Fact sheet about estrogen by the Dimensions Health Clinic in San Francisco.

Caring for Transgender Adolescents in BC: Suggested Guidelines

Clinical guidelines specifically for health providers working with trans youth published in 2006. It addresses ethical, legal, and psychosocial issues, hormone therapy, surgeries, and how to be open to youth who do not fall into binary genders. Also has many references to articles and providers in the US.

Medical Therapy and Health Maintenance for Transgender Men: A Guide for Health Care Providers

This book written for health providers by R. Nick Gordon MD, and Jamie Buth, MD, and Dean Spade, Esq. and published in 2005. It is a comprehensive resource including information about hormone therapy, various surgeries and additional aspect of health care for transmen. (www.nickgordon.org)

Transster.com

This website is a photo repository of gender reassignment surgeries for transmen.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS: SELF INJECTING "T" A DIY (DO-IT-YOURSELF) GUIDE

This is a health teaching resource made by and for trans communities. Nurse Vivian guides you through the things you need to know about safe self injection.

*NOTE: This video should not replace professional medical care and advice from a trained medical provider about hormone injections. You are strongly encouraged to read the Health Care page of this website and find a trans-friendly medical provider who can assist you with questions about reversible and irreversible side effects of hormone therapy, the process of beginning hormone therapy, appropriate dosages, as well as getting the essential blood work before you begin and to monitor your progress.

Year 2007, 9 mins: 57 sec., Canada.

[Link to YouTube Video]