The face becomes more typically female in shape. Fat tends to migrate away from the waist and toward the hips and buttocks. Tactile sensation becomes more intense. Oil and sweat glands become less active, resulting in dryer skin, scalp, and hair. Sometimes, tear glands also become less active, resulting in dryer eyes, which can cause some discomfort for those who wear contact lenses.
Synthetic estrogens seem to be especially likely to reduce activity.
Scalp hair becomes thicker, and male pattern baldness generally stops advancing. Fingernails become thinner and more brittle. If exercise is not increased, some muscle tone is lost. Given a caloric intake and exercise regimen consistent with pre-hormonal treatment, one tends to gain weight, lose energy, need more sleep, and become cold more easily. Some middle-aged and older transsexuals who start or resume hormone therapy report improved memory and overall mental faculty.