The term “transgender” refers to individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. When discussing the physical structure or characteristics of transgender individuals, it’s essential to recognize that there is a wide range of diversity, and there isn’t a singular “transgender body type.” Transgender people can have any physical appearance, just like cisgender individuals. Here’s an overview of potential physical attributes and changes, especially concerning medical transition:

1. Pre-Transition: Transgender individuals, before undergoing any medical procedures or hormone treatments, will generally have the physical characteristics associated with their assigned sex at birth.
2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Many transgender individuals choose to undergo HRT as part of their transition.
   • Transgender women (MTF): Estrogen and anti-androgens can lead to breast development, a reduction in body and facial hair, redistribution of body fat in a more feminine pattern, reduced muscle mass, and softening of the skin.
   • Transgender men (FTM): Testosterone can lead to increased body and facial hair, voice deepening, clitoral enlargement, cessation of menstruation, increased muscle mass, and the redistribution of fat in a more masculine pattern.
3. Surgical Procedures: Some transgender individuals opt for surgeries to align their physical bodies with their gender identity.
   • Transgender women: Surgeries might include breast augmentation, facial feminization, tracheal shave (to reduce the Adam’s apple), and vaginoplasty (creation of a vagina).
   • Transgender men: Surgeries can include mastectomy (chest surgery), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and various types of phalloplasty (construction of a penis) or metoidioplasty (creation of a phallus using the enlarged clitoris).
4. Secondary Sex Characteristics: These features, which differentiate male and female bodies and typically emerge during puberty, might not align with a transgender person’s gender identity, especially if they have not accessed HRT or started it after puberty.
5. Genitalia: Some transgender individuals might opt for genital surgeries, while others might not, due to personal choice, health concerns, financial constraints, or other reasons.
6. Bone Structure: Hormones do not change bone structure in adults. Therefore, features like hip width, shoulder width, and height, which are influenced by puberty and determined by the skeleton, won’t change with HRT.
7. Facial Features: While HRT can influence fat distribution on the face, leading to softer features in transgender women and more angular features in transgender men, bone structures, like the size of the chin or nose, won’t change without surgical intervention.

Remember, not all transgender people will undergo medical transitions, and their reasons are personal and varied. It’s also worth noting that, just like cisgender individuals, transgender people come in all shapes and sizes, and there isn’t a specific way they “should” look. Respect and dignity should be extended to all individuals regardless of their transition choices or physical appearance.