Are you more assertive after being on T?

[Cody Jensen]

Just wondering. Also how long did it take for you to develop this trait after being on T?

[Ayden]

T didn't make me more assertive at all. I've always been pretty blunt and up front, but its a product of my personality and the way I was raised. If anything, I am a little less aggressive since I'm not angry all the time, but my assertiveness level is pretty much where it always has been. 

[Kreuzfidel]

There's no black or white "yes/no" answer here - like most things relating to T, changes are usually anecdotal, especially where non-physical aspects are concerned.  Personally I have gained greater confidence and a more solid sense of self and deserving, so yes - I am more assertive.  It probably took four months for me.

[aleon515]

I'm not on T, but I have gotten MUCH more assertive since I started identifying more male. It's been very striking.

--Jay Jay

[Adam (birkin)]

I have had a much easier time being completely honest with myself and my feelings - which has made it a lot easier to be upfront with others from the get go. I also don't worry about as many things because the fear doesn't quite hit me the same way. So put those things together, yeah, I am probably getting more assertive. I noticed it a lot after 12 weeks.

[Nygeel]

I haven't after 20 months.

[Cody Jensen]

interesting responses, they all seem to vary 

[poptart]

No. Assertiveness is a personality trait, not dependent on hormone levels. Only thing that would cause it is confidence if the person was predisposed to be assertive but too insecure before transition.

[aleon515]

There may be something of a permission to be assertive. In our culture, at least (and I am speaking of Western culture here) males are allowed to be more assertive than females. So it might be that either identification with male or the taking of T allows people to feel more assertive?
Just a theory.

--Jay Jay

[anibioman]

ive always been really assertive and confident around close friends and family. but in all other situations i was always afraid to talk because my voice usually made me not pass. so now being almost 2 months on t my voice has dropped to a teen male level and i am a teen i just sound 2-3 years younger then i am i know because i have a lil bro 2 years and 3 months younger and his voice is a bit deeper but it aint bad for 2 months. so i speak up in public and amongst my peers much more. having a deeper voice and being stronger with bigger muscles has helped my confidence a ton its wonderful.

[Jeatyn]

I'm almost certain that once I start passing 100% my confidence levels will go through the roof and I will be more likely to assert myself rather than shy away and hope nobody notices me.

[AlexanderReese]

after my 2nd shot, and feeling 95% more comfortable than before, i've noticed or more or less, people have pointed out to me, a few different personality changes.
i've noticed i don't really care much about things that used to bother me, and it's been impossible for me to even cry. (sounds weird, but i've tried haha, and nothing comes out)

not saying it's the testosterone because i don't even think it would do that, but i have definitely noticed a change in my demeanor/attitude towards things.

also, after my first shot, by day.. 5 or 6, i was very irritable. i dont know why. but every little thing and everyone irritated me that day.
maybe it was just me being impatient for shot 2 idk haha.

but, now my mood is consistent again.

[Cody Jensen]

after my 2nd shot, and feeling 95% more comfortable than before, i've noticed or more or less, people have pointed out to me, a few different personality changes.
i've noticed i don't really care much about things that used to bother me, and it's been impossible for me to even cry. (sounds weird, but i've tried haha, and nothing comes out)

not saying it's the testosterone because i don't even think it would do that, but i have definitely noticed a change in my demeanor/attitude towards things.

also, after my first shot, by day.. 5 or 6, i was very irritable. i dont know why. but every little thing and everyone irritated me that day.
maybe it was just me being impatient for shot 2 idk haha.

but, now my mood is consistent again.

Good to hear that, I'm so scared of turning angry or violent because of T.

[Zoidberg]

I think the reason some guys get more assertive after starting their physical transition is probably at least in part because of the fact that to get to this point one has to assert their identity over and over to a variety of different people- therapists, doctors, family, strangers. This practice seems to me to be just as important if not more so than hormonal changes when it comes to assertiveness levels.
Obviously, hormones will change your emotional life in some ways. But those seem to vary depending on the person.

[supremecatoverlord]

Good to hear that, I'm so scared of turning angry or violent because of T.

That's not something that's going to happen unless you're on way too high of a dose (or the wrong dose) and/or already have a predisposition to be hotheaded.

[dalebert]

That's not something that's going to happen unless you're on way too high of a dose (or the wrong dose) and/or already have a predisposition to be hotheaded.

Yep. Modern studies are finding evidence that this is a myth. In fact, one study found T had some calming properties. I wish I still had the link(s) handy.

[wheat thins are delicious]

No. Assertiveness is a personality trait, not dependent on hormone levels. Only thing that would cause it is confidence if the person was predisposed to be assertive but too insecure before transition.

This.  I feel more secure after being on T and am more able to be assertive, but it was definitely there before T, I just was insecure and nervous about showing that side of me.

[Edge]

Yep. Modern studies are finding evidence that this is a myth. In fact, one study found T had some calming properties. I wish I still had the link(s) handy.

I read of a study where not only did the people on T remain calmer, but the people who took the placebo, but thought they were on T were more aggressive suggesting that it's the belief in this myth that causes more aggression than T actually does.