What Should I Know About Hormone Therapy?
By: Emma Bennett
Did you know that Bridgercare offers services for patients in the LGBTQ+ community who are over 18, and even hormone therapy and gender transition support? You do now!
A gender transition is a deeply personal journey that can seem very overwhelming, especially if you’re feeling a lack of support from your family and community. It is a long and emotional process for many, and Bridgercare wants to make it as smooth as possible. We understand the magnitude of this decision and we will be there for anyone who needs medical and emotional care during their transition, and after!
It’s important to note that hormone therapy looks different for everyone, and should always be discussed and considered. Our practitioners will work with you, listen to what you want and need, and together -- practicing patient-led care – we will form a plan that is right for your unique needs.
Research on the safety and efficacy of hormone therapy for gender transition / affirmation is ongoing, and all of the long-term impacts and effects may not be fully understood. It is important to consider the expected benefits, possible side effects and risks of hormone therapy so that you can decide, with your medical provider, if hormone therapy is right for you.
Feminizing Hormone Therapy:
Feminine changes in the body may take several months to become noticeable and usually take up to 3 to 5 years to be complete. Androgen (testosterone) blockers are used to decrease the amount and/or block the effects of testosterone to minimize masculine physical features. Estrogen (usually estradiol) is used to feminize the body; estrogens can also decrease the amount and effect of testosterone. Your medical provider will determine the form of estrogen (pills, patches, gels, or shots) and the dose that is best for you based on your personal needs and wishes, and any medical or mental health conditions you have.
Masculinizing Hormone Therapy:
Testosterone is used to masculinize the body and reduce female features. Your medical provider will determine the form of testosterone (shots, gels, creams, or patches) and the dose that is best for you based on your personal needs and wishes, and any medical or mental health conditions you have. These changes in the body may take several months to become noticeable and usually take up to 3 to 5 years to be complete.
Risks and Possible Side Effects of Hormone Therapy
All medicines have risks. Reading up on the benefits and risks is an important step in understanding the process of a gender transition. Weighing the pros and cons to decide whether to proceed should always be an informed and thoughtful process. It may feel like you are being inundated with tons of information, but it is absolutely normal to feel anything you may be feeling no matter what it is. And of course, our practitioners are here for you any time you feel nervous about the process or have questions.
Risks and Possible Side Effects of Hormone Therapy
Possible loss of fertility; you may not be able to get pregnant after being on testosterone therapy for some time; how long this might take to be a permanent effect is unknown. Some persons choose to harvest and bank eggs before starting on testosterone therapy.
A gender transition is a deeply personal journey, and Bridgercare is proud to be able to help our patients along the way! If you have any questions about gender transitions or hormone replacement therapy, feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.
Benefits of Hormone Therapy:
Improve psychological and social well-being
Aleve psychological and emotional stress related to gender
Improve satisfaction of sex
Improve quality of life
Risks of Hormone Therapy:
Infertility – freeze sperm or eggs
Weight gain
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes