I’m not in a position where I can fully transition right now. But that doesn’t mean I’m not doing everything I can to transform my body and feel more feminine in the skin I’m in. Over the last six months, I’ve been experimenting with MTF supplements commonly used by trans women and crossdressers for feminization.
Note: I’m not a doctor, trainer, or nutritionist—just a transgender woman doing her own research and sharing what’s helped me feel more at home in my body. Always do your own research and talk to a medical professional before starting anything new.
The MTF Supplements I Tried (and My Results)
Saw Palmetto
This was the first one I added to my routine. It’s kind of a staple in the MTF supplement space because it slightly blocks DHT, which is the hormone responsible for things like facial hair and body hair.
Now, I’m not a super hairy person to begin with (aside from the sad excuse for facial hair my body tries to grow), so I can’t say I noticed a ton in terms of hair reduction. But I did feel some subtle changes from what I’d guess is a mild dip in testosterone:
- Slightly softer body odor
- Lower spontaneous arousal
- Less aggressive thought patterns
It’s subtle. But if you’re someone who’s sensitive to hormonal changes, you might notice the same.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is talked about constantly in feminization circles because of its rumored effects on breast growth and nipple sensitivity. Personally? I’ve gained maybe half an inch in breast tissue—nothing dramatic, but noticeable.
A lot of people report breast tingles or tenderness. For me, the feeling was mostly concentrated in the nipples. Especially in sexual contexts? Oh baby, they definitely felt more alive. It wasn’t painful, just… tender. Like they were waking up a little.
Black Cohosh
This one is traditionally used for menopause symptoms, but it’s believed to have mild estrogenic effects. That’s why I gave it a shot as part of my MTF supplements experiment.
To be honest, this was probably the least noticeable of anything I tried. Maybe some mood shifts, but I’m still learning how to track my emotional patterns day to day. I might revisit it later, but for now it felt kind of like a dud.
Spearmint Tea
This one’s a bit of a daily ritual for me now. Spearmint has a mild anti-androgen reputation, and I needed to cut down on soda anyway, so it felt like a two-birds situation.
I usually do:
- One tea bag = two cups in the morning
- One more tea bag = two cups in the afternoon
Have I noticed changes? Not dramatically. But it’s calming, hydrating, and feels like a little feminine ritual. (Having a cute teacup helps!)
Just a note: get the good stuff. Store-brand spearmint tea tastes like boiled lawn clippings. I go with Sprouts or Whole Foods.
Licorice Root
Tried this one for about three weeks before tapping out. It’s another one with anti-androgen effects often included in MTF supplement stacks, but the side effects? Not worth it.
I could feel my blood pressure climbing. Like actual chest tightness and pressure in my head. Scary enough that I cut it out fast. Maybe it works for some folks, but I’d definitely be cautious with this one.
Pueraria Mirifica
This is the one I turned to after ditching licorice root—and it’s stayed in my rotation.
Pueraria Mirifica is known for supporting breast growth, improving skin softness, and even boosting libido. That half-inch of breast development I mentioned earlier? I think this helped. And my skin? Feels way more hydrated and soft since I started it.
I’ve also felt a little uptick in libido. Not wild or overwhelming, just a slight but noticeable shift. It feels like a more body-positive, pleasure-supporting MTF supplement for me.
What MTF Supplements Didn’t Work (or Just Didn’t Feel Worth It)
Licorice Root
Just nope. The blood pressure spike was too real. Maybe if you’re already tracking your vitals closely and respond differently—but for me? Definitely not worth the risk.
Black Cohosh
Meh. Some people swear by it. I just didn’t feel much of anything. Felt like I was taking it just to take it.
Feminizing Changes That Helped Other Than MTF Supplements
Supplements aren’t the only thing I’ve been leaning into. These are the habits and changes that I think matter just as much—if not more:
- I’ve started incorporating more phytoestrogens into my meals (like tofu, flaxseed, and soy).
- I actively avoid testosterone-boosting foods when I can.
- I’ve built a basic skincare routine focused on softness and moisture.
- I’ve started working out consistently—not just for weight loss, but to reshape and feminize my body.
Honestly? Exercise has been the biggest transformation tool out of everything I’ve tried.
Final Thoughts on MTF Supplements
I wanted these MTF supplements to be magic. I really did. But the truth is—they’re not miracle pills. They won’t suddenly change your body overnight.
What they did do, though, was help me feel a little more feminine. A little more intentional. Like I was taking steps, even if they were small. And for where I’m at right now? That’s enough.
It made me feel like I was doing something for me. And that kind of emotional alignment is just as powerful as anything physical.
Have you tried any of these MTF supplements? Or found something that helped you feel more at home in your body? I’d seriously love to hear what worked—or didn’t—for you.
2 Comments
Andi · October 30, 2025 at 4:44 pm
This is exactly where I am. Curious. Confused. Excited. Terrified.
Also: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. Whatever you read here take with a healthy amount of caution and know that YMMV.
Long story short, one night in January of 2025 I went to bed a cis “man” (I still can’t take that word seriously where I am concerned,) and I discovered at some point before my next sleep that I am Bigender. What an incredible thing. Here’s the crux:
In 2022, I had started growing out my hair for donation, and read that fenugreek could help with hair growth (full disclosure, I knew about the breast tissue impact possibility, and was not dissuaded–infer from that what you will…) and I was also already doing Saw Palmetto for BPH. A few times I thought “I’m developing breasts…” but my wife never bought it. Fair enough.
I went on a prescription med for the BPH, and my hair was doing great, so at that point I discontinued the herbs. I also noticed that my chest became less full, but no matter. That was to be expected and I was kinda watching for it.
But I’m getting out of order, a bit. Several years ago, my wife (who is 100% supportive of all of this, by the way–I’m a lucky, lucky person) and I were discussing ideas about taking our intimacy up a notch (things were fine, but we like having fun with each other, so…) and nothing sounded comfortable until she casually said, “Crossdressing?” A lightning bolt went through me and I immediately knew that was the one. Since then, I have built up a bit of a wardrobe, my hair is back to past-shoulder-length (I cut it to donate, the original intention,) I got my ears pierced, and I do my nails (which I used to tear as my favorite fidget–until I became comfortable with my Bigenderness, and suddenly, no more fidgeting and now I have fingernails,) and wear “women’s” clothing quite regularly (although it’s always with jeans and sneakers, and very plausibly deniable)
My first “Femme Surge” happened in January of this year and lasted into early Summer. And by “surge,” I mean “awareness and burgeoning acceptance.” Then one day, POOF. Gone. Vanished. Almost all of my femme feelings were just…gone. Not completely, but the sense of urgency wasn’t there anymore. I wondered if I had imagined the whole thing. It was disconcerting to say the least.
Then, at the end of September, WHAM. My Femme returned with an intensity I wasn’t quite ready for, but immediately embraced. And it hasn’t let up.
So I went straight back to the Saw Palmetto and Fenugreek, but this time after much reading and researching and all the rest, discovered that Red Clover added to that stack is (for me, who is not a doctor at all) like a magic bullet. I started experiencing localized “pins and needles” feelings in all the right places, and a couple of weeks ago my wife, with a look of intrigued surprise said, “your chest is getting bigger…not to look at, but I can tell…” And there is a bit more contour there. Holy mackerel. (The theory is that having spent a considerable amount of time with Fen/SP in my system it didn’t take long for things to “renormalize.” The Red Clover is the only new addition, and whew, it’s a game changer.) I’ll also say this: I am also enjoying a mug of spearmint tea in the evenings. It’s a bit on the self-affirming/ritualistic side and even though I doubt it’s making an ounce of difference in my journey in terms of herbal efficacy, it brings me comfort, joy, and peace.
So. They will tell you “it’s BS” or “it’s fake” or “it can’t ever work” but…this gal will tell you your mileage may vary.
This is my test case for HRT. As someone who is Bigender, I’m not looking for full surgical treatments or anything like that. I’m looking for balance. Low Dose. To bring me into better focus for myself. The physical changes are to be expected, but I’m far more interested and motivated by the spiritual/emotional ones.
I’ve never felt like my birth-assigned gender. Frankly, the first time I ever looked in the mirror and liked what I saw I was wearing beaded earrings and a matching necklace, my hair was in a half-up topknot do, and I had on a sleeveless mini dress and black and white Converse high-tops. So what’s a girl to do?
Thanks for this post. So many people refuse to discuss herbal routes, but as someone who needs information, understanding, and on the ground data, this is the only route available. I’m glad I’m not alone in this.
One more thing: since restarting the herbs with intention, and allowing myself to relax into my Femme, I have never liked myself more. And that’s worth exploring as far as it needs to be.
Michelle. Seriously. Thank you.
*hug*
Andi
Michelle · November 4, 2025 at 12:41 pm
Wow! Thank you for sharing all of that. ❤️ I love hearing how intentional you’ve been with your journey, and how you’ve found ways to explore your femme side safely and meaningfully. Your story about the “Femme Surge” and the herbal stack is fascinating, and it’s amazing to hear the way you’re noticing both physical and emotional shifts.
Herbal and supplement routes can feel so under-discussed, so it’s awesome that you’re putting your experience out there. I’m thrilled that you’re embracing your Femme fully now. And that your reflection finally feels aligned with how you see yourself inside. That’s huge.
Hugs back,
—Michelle