Episode notes
What does testosterone actually do—and what happens when you start taking it??
After several years on testosterone HRT, I have a LOT of insights to share. In this episode of my podcast, I’m sharing my entire experience with testosterone: why I started, what changed, what surprised me, the benefits and side effects, and everything I wish I’d known before I started.
We get into what testosterone actually does in the body, total vs. free testosterone, SHBG, testing and dosing, pellets vs. injections, energy, mood, muscle, libido, acne, hair changes, PMDD and perimenopause—and why testosterone is still such a complicated and overlooked part of the conversation for women and AFAB people's health.
I also talk about the parts that have been harder to quantify: the subjective and existential lessons testosterone has taught me about gender, sexuality, identity, capacity, and myself.
This is my personal experience, not medical advice—but if you’ve ever wondered what testosterone actually does, what HRT can feel like, or why changing one hormone can affect so many seemingly unrelated things, this is the episode I wish I could have listened to before I started!