What do you need to know about gender-affirming hormone therapy?
Starting gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a beautiful and exciting step on your journey to aligning your body with your true self. It’s a way to help your outside reflect the amazing person you are on the inside. This guide is here to walk you through what hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is all about, with warmth and support for everyone in our rainbow family.
This important part of transgender health helps your body develop physical characteristics that are more in line with your gender identity. For trans women and transfeminine individuals, estrogen therapy encourages feminine changes like softer skin and breast growth. For trans men and transmasculine people, testosterone therapy helps with masculine changes, such as a deeper voice and facial hair growth.
What is Hormone Therapy?
Think of hormones as tiny messengers in your body that help guide its development. Hormone therapy, also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), is a medical treatment that helps your body develop physical characteristics that are more in line with your gender identity. This is a safe and well-established medical practice, guided by caring doctors who are here to support you.
The journey is different for everyone, and that’s what makes it so special. It’s all about what feels right for you.
Feminizing Hormone Therapy
For our transfeminine and trans women family members, this therapy helps to develop more feminine characteristics. It usually involves two types of medication:
- Estrogen: This is the primary hormone that encourages feminine changes. It can be taken as a pill, a patch on your skin, or an injection.
- Anti-androgens (or “Blockers”): These medications help to lower the effects of testosterone in your body.
Some of the beautiful changes you might experience include:
- Softer skin
- Breast growth
- Changes in where your body stores fat, often leading to fuller hips
- Less body and facial hair
- A potential shift in your emotions
Masculinizing Hormone Therapy
For our transmasculine and trans men family members, this therapy helps to develop more masculine characteristics. The primary hormone used is:
- Testosterone: This hormone encourages masculine changes and is usually given as an injection or a gel you apply to your skin.
Some of the powerful changes you might experience include:
- A deeper voice
- Growth of facial and body hair
- Changes in where your body stores fat, leading to a more masculine shape
- Your monthly period will stop
- Increased muscle mass and strength
It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is unique, and these changes happen at their own pace. This is your journey, and it will unfold in its own perfect time.
Your First Steps: The Consultation Process
Meeting with a doctor to talk about hormone therapy is a wonderful first step. It’s a space for you to ask questions, share your hopes, and feel supported. Here’s what you can expect:
- A Heart-to-Heart Chat: Your first appointment is all about you. Your doctor will want to hear your story, understand your journey, and learn about your goals. This is a safe space to be open and honest. They will also talk with you about your health history to make sure the plan is perfect for you. This is often done using an “informed consent” model, which means the focus is on making sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for yourself.
- Making a Plan Together: You and your doctor will work as a team to create a hormone therapy plan that feels right for you. They’ll talk with you about the different types of medication, the potential changes, and any risks involved. Your comfort and well-being are the top priorities.
- Support for All Ages:
- For our younger community members (adolescents): The journey might start with puberty blockers. These are safe, reversible medications that give you more time to explore your identity without your body going through changes that don’t feel right. When you and your support system (like your family and doctors) feel you’re ready, you can then decide if you want to start hormone therapy.
- For adults: You can start hormone therapy at any age! It’s never too late to be your true self. Your doctor will be there to guide you every step of the way.
- Ongoing Care and Love: Your journey doesn’t end after the first appointment. You’ll have regular check-ins with your doctor to see how you’re feeling, monitor your health, and make any adjustments to your plan. This is a partnership, and your healthcare team is here to support you for the long haul.
A Journey of Joy and Authenticity
Starting hormone therapy is a profound act of self-love. It’s about honoring who you are and allowing yourself to shine. Remember to be gentle with yourself, celebrate every step of the way, and surround yourself with people who love and support you.
You are beautiful, you are valid, and you deserve to feel at home in your body. This journey is yours, and it’s going to be amazing.
Gender reassignment surgery is a life-changing procedure, but it should never come at the expense of your safety. If you’re considering undergoing this procedure in Thailand, reach out to us.
https://thethaiger.com/guides/best-of/health/thailands-view-on-gender-affirmation-surgery
With warmth and support,
Chokchai S., M.D.
Chief Operating Officer
Allied Health (Thailand) Company Limited
contact us:
(+66) 06-4141-6198
[email protected]
Line OA : @325rwfwo
WhatsApp : +66 64 141 6198