Gender-affirming hormone therapy - meaning and definition
AlsoGAHTHRThormone replacement therapycross-sex hormonesHRT for trans peoplefeminizing hormonesmasculinizing hormonesfeminising hormoneshormone therapy
Definition
The use of hormones such as estrogen or testosterone to develop physical characteristics that better match a person's gender identity.
At a glance
- Gender-affirming hormone therapy uses estrogen or testosterone to change physical characteristics.
- Feminising therapy usually involves estrogen, often with a medicine that reduces testosterone.
- Changes develop gradually over months and years.
- Treatment is usually prescribed and monitored with regular blood tests.
- In trans communities it is often called HRT, as in being on T or on E.
In detail
Feminising hormone therapy usually involves estrogen, often with a medicine that reduces the effect of testosterone. Masculinising therapy usually involves testosterone. Changes develop gradually over months and years and can include shifts in fat distribution, skin, body hair and, with testosterone, voice.
Hormone therapy is typically prescribed and monitored by a clinician with regular blood tests, because it has benefits and risks that depend on an individual's health. Some effects are reversible if treatment stops and some are not. Obtaining hormones without medical supervision carries additional risks.
In trans communities it is often called HRT, and people may refer to being on T or on E. Standard HRT used during menopause is a different treatment for a different purpose.
In a sentence
- I've been on T for a year, and my voice has dropped a lot.
- Her clinic checks her blood levels regularly while she is on hormone therapy.
Not to be confused with
- Menopausal HRT
Menopausal hormone replacement therapy treats menopause symptoms; gender-affirming HRT supports physical transition.
Common questions
Are the effects of hormone therapy permanent?
Some effects are reversible if treatment stops, and some are not. Which is which depends on the hormone and the individual. A clinician can explain the expected changes before treatment starts.
Is gender-affirming HRT the same as menopause HRT?
No. They are different treatments with different purposes, even though both are often called HRT. Gender-affirming therapy aims to develop characteristics that match a person's gender identity.
Is it safe to take hormones without a prescription?
Obtaining hormones without medical supervision carries additional risks, because dosing and monitoring matter for health. Anyone considering hormone therapy should talk to a qualified clinician or a gender health service.