FTM

FTM stands for female-to-male and is a designation used within transgender and gender-diverse communities to describe people assigned female at birth who identify as male or on the masculine spectrum. The term is often used interchangeably with “trans man” or “transmasculine,” but experiences and identifications vary widely. Some individuals identify strictly as male, while others identify as partly masculine or non-binary; not all pursue the same transitions or expressions.

Transition can be social, legal, medical, or a combination. Social transition includes adopting a chosen name and pronouns (he/him), and adjusting appearance and presentation. Legal steps may involve changing name and gender markers on documents. Medical transition can include hormone therapy with testosterone, which may lead to a deeper voice, facial and body hair growth, redistribution of body fat, increased muscle mass, and cessation of menstruation over time. Medical treatment requires professional oversight, and individuals may experience varying effects, risks, and benefits. Fertility considerations exist, as some form of biological fertility may be affected; options such as sperm storage may be discussed before treatment. Surgical options, including chest reconstruction or genital surgery, vary by person, availability, and personal goals; not all pursue surgery.

Social, medical, and legal aspects intersect with issues such as discrimination, healthcare access, and mental health support. The term FTM may also appear in other contexts unrelated to gender identity, such as Financial Transmission Rights in electricity markets; meaning should be clarified by context.