Basic Guide to Hormone Therapy for Transgender Individuals: Safe Transitioning with Medical Support

What is Hormone Therapy for Transgender?

Hormone therapy involves taking hormones to change one's physical appearance to align with their gender identity (transgender). For those transitioning, it is essential to suppress the original hormones and boost the desired hormones. Hormone therapy should be conducted under medical supervision as each individual’s body responds differently, requiring a personalized treatment plan to achieve the desired results safely.

Types of Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy involves administering the desired hormones to suppress the existing ones, leading to physical changes that align with the gender identity. The types of hormone therapy are:

Feminizing Hormone Therapy (Male to Female): This involves taking estrogen, the female hormone, to reduce male characteristics and encourage feminine physical changes such as reduced facial and body hair, a higher-pitched voice, and other female secondary characteristics.

Masculinizing Hormone Therapy (Female to Male): This involves taking testosterone, the male hormone, to suppress female characteristics and induce male physical changes such as increased muscle mass, facial and body hair growth, a deeper voice, and other male secondary characteristics. Additionally, menstruation and ovulation will decrease and eventually stop.

Methods of Taking Testosterone for Female to Male Transition

Testosterone replacement therapy via injections can be administered in two ways:

1. Intramuscular Injections:

Every 2 weeks: This is the most common method due to its affordability and ease of dosage adjustment by the doctor. However, it requires frequent clinic visits.

Every 3 months: Though more expensive and potentially more painful due to the larger dose, it maintains stable hormone levels and requires fewer clinic visits.

2. Topical Gel:

This method is less painful as it can be applied at home, maintaining steady hormone levels in the blood. However, it is more expensive, requires daily application, and can cause skin irritation.

Methods of Taking Estrogen for Male to Female Transition

It involves using "estrogen," the female hormone, in conjunction with "anti-androgen" medication to suppress male hormones. Currently, there are two popular types:

1. Oral Estrogen:

Convenient and affordable but may impact liver function and increase the risk of blood clots. 

2. Transdermal Estrogen (Patches or Gel):

More expensive but does not affect liver function or increase blood clot risk, and maintains stable hormone levels. 

Preparations Before Starting Hormone Therapy

1. Comprehensive Health Check and Medical History:

A thorough health check to assess risks and plan appropriate hormone therapy. Tests for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and evaluations of heart and lung function are conducted to ensure safety.

2. Psychological Readiness: 

Psychological evaluation is crucial as hormone therapy induces significant physical changes that can affect mental health. The doctor will assess emotional readiness and provide guidance on managing potential mental health issues like mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

Side Effects of Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy can affect emotional states and may have side effects. Based on information from individuals who have undergone hormone therapy, the potential side effects include:

Testosterone Therapy (Female to Male):

Abnormal or increased blood lipids- Risk of blood clots due to increased blood viscosity- Increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers

Estrogen Therapy (Male to Female):

Risk of deep vein thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases- Decreased bone density leading to osteoporosis- Increased triglyceride levels

Due to these potential side effects, it is recommended that hormone therapy be administered under medical supervision with regular follow-ups.

Results of Hormone Therapy

If  you undergo hormone therapy consistently for 3-6 months, you will start to see physical changes:

Male to Female: 

• Decreased muscle mass

• leading to a smaller physique

• Thinner and softer body and facial hair

• Smoother skin- Increased hip and breast size

• Higher-pitched voice

Female to Male: 

• Reduced menstruation

• Increased body and facial hair, such as mustaches and beards

• Increased muscle mass and strength

• Deeper voice

Self-Care After Starting Hormone Therapy for transgender 

• Follow the doctor's instructions strictly and attend regular check-ups.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

• Avoid foods high in fat and sugar.

• Consult a doctor if you experience emotional or mental health issues. 

After starting hormone therapy, doctors will schedule follow-up appointments every 3-6 months to check hormone levels and assess physical changes. They will also monitor health and any side effects, adjusting medication as necessary for each individual.

Preparing both physically and mentally is crucial before starting hormone therapy, as it causes significant changes in appearance, personality, and mood, and may have side effects. Follow medical advice strictly and maintain good health. If you are interested in hormone therapy, you can consult a doctor at Menness Clinic.