Treatment FAQ

what do they give mtf treatment

by Prof. Maude Schuppe V Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago
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Typically MTF hormone therapy involves estrogen, medication to blocktestosterone, or a combination of the two. Sometimes a progestagen isadded to the mix. Estrogen

During feminizing hormone therapy, you'll be given medication to block the action of the hormone testosterone. You'll also be given the hormone estrogen to decrease testosterone production and induce feminine secondary sex characteristics. Changes caused by these medications can be temporary or permanent.Mar 18, 2021

Full Answer

What is the best medication for MTFs?

The ones most typically prescribed to MTFs are spironolactone (Aldactone®) and finasteride (Proscar®). Cyproterone (Androcur®) can be used, but risks include depression and liver enzyme elevation so spironolactone is generally preferred.

What is MTF hormone therapy?

Typically MTF hormone therapy involves estrogen, medication to blocktestosterone, or a combination of the two. Sometimes a progestagen isadded to the mix.

What are the side effects of MTF?

In some MTFs estrogen causes nausea and vomiting, similar to morningsickness in pregnant women. Estrogen can also cause headaches ormigraines. If you are getting frequent headaches/migraines or the pain isunusually bad, or if you are vomiting for more than a couple of days, talkto a health professional.

What is MTF top/breast enhancement surgery?

MTF Top/Breast Enhancement surgery is an option for transgender women who seek to improve their breasts’ contour following a period of HRT. This is just one of the many procedures under the Gender Confirmation Surgery umbrella – a series of reconstructive procedures designed to help transgender men and women better pass as their true selves.

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What medication is used for MTF?

The ones most typically prescribed to MTFs are spironolactone (Aldactone®) and finasteride (Proscar®). Cyproterone (Androcur®) can be used, but risks include depression and liver enzyme elevation so spironolactone is generally preferred.

How long does MTF hormone therapy take?

This therapy can take several months for noticeable changes to occur, and up to two-to-four years for noticeable effects to completely fill in. Some effects can remain permanent, even if you decide to stop HRT.

What age can you start hormone therapy MTF?

If used in an adolescent, hormone therapy typically begins at age 16. Ideally, treatment starts before the development of secondary sex characteristics so that teens can go through puberty as their identified gender.

What happens when you start taking estrogen MTF?

Soon after beginning hormone treatment, you will notice a decrease in the number of erections you have; and when you do have one, you may lose the ability to penetrate, because it won't be as firm or last as long. You will, however, still have erotic sensations and be able to orgasm.

How much does it cost to take estrogen?

Pills: Monthly prescription costs for oral HRT run $130 to $240 per month, for an annual fee of $1560 to $2440. But, because most insurance companies pay for HRT pills, most people only see their prescription co-pay costs, which typically average $30 per month or $360 per year.

How long does it take to grow breasts on estrogen?

3 to 6 monthsThe Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Endocrine Society indicate that breast development starts 3 to 6 months after start of cross-sex hormone therapy (CHT).

Is there an estrogen pill?

Estrogen Treatment: Pills Oral medication is the most common form of ERT. Examples are conjugated Estrogens (Premarin), estradiol (Estrace), and Estratab. Follow your doctor's instructions for dosing. Most estrogen pills are taken once a day without food.

Can I get estrogen over the counter?

At present, all types of HRT require a prescription from your doctor. Now, one type of HRT for vaginal dryness could be made available over the counter.

How much does a testosterone injection cost?

Generic options will also help lower out-of-pocket costs. 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.

Does estrogen change your face?

Coming back to the main question, of whether HRT changes your face, if you are undergoing HRT it is possible you may notice some facial changes. The main ones you may experience are increased skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration, along with the possibility of less wrinkles.

What will taking estrogen do to a man?

Estrogen may stimulate breast tissue growth. Men with too much estrogen may develop gynecomastia, a condition which leads to larger breasts. Erectile dysfunction (ED). Men with high levels of estrogen may have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.

Can you drink while on HRT MTF?

If you're taking HRT, try to do everything you can to minimize your breast cancer risk. Talk to your doctor about using estrogen-only HRT, which increases breast cancer risk less than combination HRT. Take HRT for the shortest time possible. Consider not drinking alcohol while on HRT.

What is M2F therapy?

In the case of MtF patients (Male to Female or M2F), which are individuals born as biological males, hormone replacement therapy will be defined as feminizing and demasculinizing as it will work towards stopping and reversing the development of the male sexual characters and induce the development of the female features.

What is the best treatment for endogenous testosterone?

Anti-androgens. This is a class of drugs that reduce both the levels of endogenous testosterone and the effects caused by testosterone on the various organs and tissues of the body. Antiandrogens also lower the dose of estrogen needed and help in reversing the male features of the individuals. Cyproterone acetate.

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 ...

Is MTF transgender or ultrafeminine?

It is also subjective the aesthetic result that each patient wants to achieve, and which is not necessarily ultrafeminine in the case of the MtF transgender, but for instance it could be androgynous. The patient with gender dysphoria doesn’t necessarily undergo medical and/or surgical procedures.

Does feminizing hormone replacement therapy cause osteopenia?

Side effects of feminizing hormone replacement therapy for MtF transgenders. As any other therapy, HRT carries risks and side effects. There is a decrease in bone mineral density, with bones becoming similar to those of cisgender women, but therapy should not induce osteopenia nor osteoporosis.

Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty

Referred to as the "gold standard" MTF Vaginoplasty technique, Penile Inversion is often performed as a one-stage procedure, incorporating Orchiectomy, partial Penectomy, penile dissection and creation of the vaginal cavity, Labiaplasty and Clitoroplasty.

Rectosigmoid Vaginoplasty

Rectosigmoid Vaginoplasty, aka Sigmoid Colon Vaginoplasty, uses a section of the Sigmoid colon to create the vaginal lining. First described in 1974, Rectosigmoid Vaginoplasty results in a well-proportioned, self-lubricating vagina, which does not require post-operative dilatation for extended periods of time.

What is the best treatment for transgender women?

Anti-androgens (i.e. spironolactone, bicalutamide, flutamide, finasteride) are also commonly used in trans women who have not had an orchiectomy. These medications block the effects of testosterone, resulting in decreased erectile function and allowing estrogen to develop typical female secondary sex characteristics.

What is the most common medication used for transgender men?

In transgender men, or trans masculine people (FTM), the most common medication used for transition is testosterone .

What are the reversible changes in transgender men?

Reversible changes include amenorrhea, male-pattern fat distribution, increased muscle mass, vaginal atrophy, and male-pattern baldness. Some trans men also describe changes in emotions (e.g., inability to cry, increased anger) as well as increased libido.

Does finasteride lower testosterone?

Finasteride, however, specifically targets dihydrotestosterone (DHT), not testosterone, so it is not as effective at lowering total testosterone levels. GnRH Agonists (i.e. Lupron) could also be used instead of Anti-Androgens to block endogenous testosterone production.

Does finasteride help with baldness?

Finasteride can also be used to prevent male-pattern baldness in trans gender men, as it only blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT), not testosterone itself; however this will likely slow or decrease secondary hair growth, and may slow or decrease clitoromegaly as well.

What Does HRT Do to the Bodies of Male-to-Female Transgender People?

Transitioning begins with socialization (living outwardly as one’s true gender) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The therapy is often provided by an endocrinologist who specializes in the care and treatment of transgender patients.

Breast Growth Through Hormone Replacement Therapy

Breast growth in transgender women typically begins within three months into HRT. The growth of the breasts themselves will increase dramatically within the first six months – 1 year. While growth will significantly slow down after this time, the breasts will continue to develop in the years to come.

Surgical Breast Enhancements

MTF Top/Breast Enhancement surgery is an option for transgender women who seek to improve their breasts’ contour following a period of HRT. This is just one of the many procedures under the Gender Confirmation Surgery umbrella – a series of reconstructive procedures designed to help transgender men and women better pass as their true selves.

Is MTF Breast Augmentation Worth it?

The combination of hormone replacement therapy and breast enhancement surgery can significantly enhance the bodies of transgender women into a distinctly feminine contour. For many transwomen, these changes are satisfying enough to live out a full life on just HRT alone.

About the Author

Dr. Ergun Kocak, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the breast using DIEP, SIEA GAP, TUG, PAP, and direct-to-implant, in Columbus and Cincinnati, OH.

Does MTF HRT cause bulk?

Through the process of feminization, the MTF HRT effects much of the upper body bulk. Over time there is a slow decline in this bulky appearance, depending on the amount of muscle mass an individual starts with.

Does MTF HRT affect prostate?

The MTF HRT affects the prostate. Over time, the prostate will diminish in size due to the effects of estrogen and finasteride (Proscar), the latter being administered as an anti-androgen. Aside from the feminizing effect of these medications, both drugs are helpful in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement.

Does MTF HRT cause infertility?

INFERTILITY/IMPOTENCE. One of the MTF HRT effects of long-term use of may result in infertility, with permanent infertility being a distinct possibility . Sexual responsiveness will likely diminish over the course of hormonal therapy, potentially resulting in the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

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