Also according to the Trans Care Project, people who are undergoing hormone therapy as part of a transition from male to female (MtF) should expect to take the hormone estrogen, typically in a pill, a patch or cream applied to the skin, or an injection of estrogen directly into the muscle.
Full Answer
What to expect when starting hormone replacement therapy?
Dec 03, 2021 · Herbs Vs Hormones For Male To Female Transition. For those wanting to go through mtf transition, theres no avoiding HRT. In fact, if started before puberty, transgender women can avoid masculine development altogether. If you have already undergone HRT and are looking to speed up the breast development process, we advise you to slow down . Taking …
How to start estrogen replacement therapy?
Apr 08, 2021 · Estrogen hormone therapy can cause physical changes. Changes to the skin. The University of California (UCSF) note that estrogen hormone therapy can cause:. the skin to become dry or thin; the ...
How to start HRT FTM?
Nov 03, 2021 · Injections – an intramuscular injection administered regularly, either by a medical practitioner, or by you or a friend who has been shown how to do injections. Check out this handy injection guide . This could be either Reandron , Primoteston , or Sustanon. Some forms of testosterone injection are covered on the PBS.
How long does it take for HRT to work MTF?
Nov 26, 2009 · In summary: Remember that in the end, you are the only one responsible for your own health and you are the one to suffer the consequences if you do not listen to good advice.In other words, don't blame me if you fuck up! Your Main Enemy: The Harry Benjamin Standards of Care. The enemy that will keep you from getting any treatment easily is commonly referred to …
How do I ask for HRT?
Speak to a GP if you're interested in starting HRT. You can usually begin HRT as soon as you start experiencing menopausal symptoms and will not usually need to have any tests first. A GP can explain the different types of HRT available and help you choose one that's suitable for you.
How do I start a MTF transition?
Here are the steps involved.Step 1: Mental Health Evaluation. Many doctors require that you first talk to a psychologist or other mental health professional who specializes in gender issues. ... Step 2: Hormone Therapy. ... Step 3: Surgery.Apr 22, 2015
How do I get HRT from my doctor?
HRT is the process of using medications to change the hormones in the body. To start HRT, you will need 1 referral letter from a licensed mental health provider that addresses the WPATH Standards of Care guidelines.
Can I get HRT without seeing a doctor?
This means adults 18 and older can receive hormone therapy without needing to get letters of recommendation, or a mental health assessment, from a licensed therapist or counselor. Hormones are generally not prescribed on the first visit.
How long does it take to grow breasts on estrogen?
3 to 6 monthsBreast development is a key feature of feminization and therefore important to transwomen. The Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Endocrine Society indicate that breast development starts 3 to 6 months after start of cross-sex hormone therapy (CHT). The maximum effect may be expected after 2 to 3 years of CHT (1).
Can I get estrogen over the counter?
Fortunately, estrogen supplements are now available over the counter. These medications contain either lower doses of naturally-occurring estrogen or other compounds that prompt the body to produce more.Feb 25, 2022
How much does it cost to start HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy can cost around $30 per month and therapist visits can cost more than $100 each. Undergoing surgery is less common but typically rings up at anywhere between $5,000 and $30,000 depending on the kind of operation, estimates Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center.Aug 22, 2013
Is gender hormone therapy covered by insurance?
Gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapy can be an essential part of a trans person's transition, but those procedures can be costly, and many private insurance plans don't cover them.Sep 24, 2021
What is Ishrt?
Hormone replacement therapy (or HRT) (also known as menopausal hormone therapy; MHT) is the replacement of female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone in women to control symptoms of the menopause.
How much does a testosterone injection cost?
Without insurance, injections are the least expensive type of testosterone replacement therapy and can range from $40 to $100 per month. Pellets—slow-release medications implanted under the skin—are typically $500 per month and may vary depending on your dose.Mar 24, 2020
What is feminizing HRT?
Differently from FtM HRT where a single class of drugs is used (androgens, which means testosterone in one of the many forms, dosages and routes of administration available), feminizing HRT for the MtF patient utilizes a combination of different class of drugs, available in multiple forms and dosages.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment for the transgender, transsexual or non-binary gender patients with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. It is prescribed by the GP or by the specialist physician who is attending the patient with the aim of minimizing the secondary sexual characteristics which are typical to their gender ...
How long does it take for a breast to develop?
Breast development (3-6 months; 2-3 years). Thelarche or breast buds start being visible after 2-3 months from the beginning of the hormone replacement therapy. The extent of the development varies from subject to subject and depends upon the number of naturally occurring estrogen receptors in the breast tissue.
What is the effect of antiandrogens on the body?
Antiandrogens also lower the dose of estrogen needed and help in reversing the male features of the individuals.
What is a GNRH analogue?
GnRH analogues. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone analogues are pricey medications the totally block the release of hormones by the gonads so in the case of transgender women they suppress the production and release of testosterone. They are usually administered through the parenteral subcutaneous route.
What is the WPATH standard for HRT?
These are clinical guidelines and may be modified by individual healthcare professionals based on the unique features of each patient.
Is gender dysphoria a prerequisite for HRT?
Some of the many available plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries for the treatment of gender dysphoria in the MtF patient have being on HRT as a prerequisite, according to international guidelines.
The Basics Of Hormone Therapy
Gender affirmation is a process that transgender and non-binary individuals can take to affirm their gender identity and live authentically in that identity. There are several dimensions of gender affirmation, including social, psychological, legal, and medical gender affirmation.
The Effects Of Feminizing Hormones On The Body
Hormone therapy produces a range of changes in the body, from physical and emotional to sexual and reproductive changes. Here are some of the effects you are likely to experience should you begin a feminizing hormone treatment plan:
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about feminizing hormone therapy:
Final Thoughts
Hormone therapy isn’t for everyone – it is, after all, just one dimension of transitioning and gender affirmation. Other steps include social affirmation, such as coming out to close friends and family, as well as legal affirmation, which involves changing one’s name and gender markers on important documents.
What is MTF therapy?
Male-to-female (MTF) hormone therapy , or estrogen hormone therapy, can cause a person to experience physical, emotional, sexual, and reproductive changes. Some transgender people transition with the help of medical procedures, such as estrogen hormone therapy. This can help the body develop “feminine” physical characteristics.
How long does it take for estrogen to change?
Some people may see these changes within months, whereas others may only notice changes after a year. It is important to receive estrogen hormone therapy from a healthcare professional.
What is the role of androgens in the body?
Androgens are a group of hormones that help with reproductive development, among other things. Reducing the number of androgens in the body helps a person transition by encouraging changes in fat distribution, breast development, and male pattern hair growth.
Does estrogen cause infertility?
notes that in some cases, estrogen hormone therapy causes infertility, whereas, in others, it does not . In most cases, people regain fertility once they stop taking the hormones. However, there is some evidence that the longer a person takes estrogen hormone therapy, the less likely they are to have fertile sperm.
What is GLMA in medical terms?
The GLMA is the national LGBTQI+ medical association that also has provider listings for trans-affirming care.
Is it important to know before starting estrogen therapy?
Before starting estrogen hormone therapy, it is important to gain as much information as possible. So always discuss the risks and side effects that hormone therapy may cause with a healthcare professional.
Can estrogen help with gender dysphoria?
Estrogen hormone therapy is a longer-term process that can help people develop physical characteristics to alleviate their gender dysphoria. There are multiple ways to take hormone therapy, and some people may find better results when taking additional anti-androgens alongside estrogen.
A Very Serious Warning Before You Begin
Please, please, please understand that this advice is intended only for the seriously gender dysphoric and those who understand that they are transsexual. If you have any doubt at all about your transsexuality do not seek out hormone replacement therapy and contact a therapist to discuss your situation.
Your Main Enemy: The Harry Benjamin Standards of Care
The enemy that will keep you from getting any treatment easily is commonly referred to as the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care. It is drafted by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), formerly known as the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA).
Option 1: The Tom Waddell Standards
The Tom Waddell Standards govern hormone therapy and give a general overview of transgender health concerns. This was initially designed by Dr. Tom Waddell who worked in the free/low-income clinics of San Francisco and this was developed with all transsexual people in mind.
Option 2: Clinics and Providers That Don't Give a Damn
There are clinics out there that either do not require therapist intervention at all or require therapist intervention that does not fall in line with the standards of care. Basically, if you cannot find a clinic or provider in your area that follows the Tom Waddell standards, this is your next best option.
Option 3: Fake Letters
Remember that this should only be used a last resort in the event that Options 1 & 2 did not work for you. I would remind you that most doctors go through tedious amounts of education and training and may not be easily fooled. But then again, if there can be religious doctors - that is proof that there are gullible doctors.
The Aftermath and an Epilogue
Given the number of views this article has received since I published it, I feel it prudent to make a few designations here, just for clarity's sake. You should never, and I do mean never, self-medicate. That's very dangerous, as our bodies are reliant on hormones in order to function.
How old do you have to be to get hormone therapy?
In order to receive Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy you need to be over 18 and capable of providing consent. If you are 17, you will need your parent/guardian to accompany you for your appointment.
Does Planned Parenthood have hormone therapy?
Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida offers Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy, either testosterone or estrogen, for transgender patients. We see hormone therapy as an important service that really goes to the core of our mission. This service can be found at any of our health centers.
The Basics of Hormone Therapy
- Find an endocrinologist or another local healthcare provider. Ask your primary care doctor if they can offer you HRT. Some physicians can provide HRT. In most cases, however, they will refer you to an endocrinologist, which is a doctor who specializes in hormones. If you do not have a primary care doctor, you can find your closest endocrinologist by going here: https://w…
- Provide informed consent about the transition process. Your doctor will talk to you about the …
The Effects of Feminizing Hormones on The Body
Frequently Asked Questions
- Gender affirmation is a process that transgender and non-binary individuals can take to affirm their gender identity and live authentically in that identity. There are several dimensions of gender affirmation, including social, psychological, legal, and medical gender affirmation. Hormone therapy is a subset of gender-affirming health care, along w...
Final Thoughts
- Hormone therapy produces a range of changes in the body, from physical and emotional to sexual and reproductive changes. Here are some of the effects you are likely to experience should you begin a feminizing hormone treatment plan: MTF HRT Timeline Of Physical Changes Whether you’re not ready to start making major changes to your body yet or you’re simply more comforta…