Pros and Cons of Gender-affirming Hormone Replacement Therapy

Although hormone replacement therapy can help fulfill your desired gender, it has both advantages and disadvantages.  It can be harmful to your body if you do not get the right information.  It is important that you consult and follow a specialist’s advice closely when you decide to have the treatment.   

How many kinds of hormones treatment are there?

There are 3 kinds of hormones replacement therapy:

1. Intramuscular Injection
2. Topical medication 
3. Oral medication

Pros and Cons of Masculinizing Hormone

This female-to-male hormone therapy is testosterone.  The most popular ones are the intramuscular injection and skin gel.  Oral medication is not recommended.   

Pros and Cons of Feminizing Hormone

This male-to-female hormone therapy is estrogen.  Each type of application has different advantages and disadvantages.  The most popular ones are topical and oral medications.

How does hormone replacement therapy affect your body?

After the treatment, your body will gradually change.  For a transman, you will experience body and facial hair growth, deeper voice, no periods, muscles strength, etc.  For a transwoman, your breasts will become enlarged, you may experience hair loss, smaller physique, higher pitch voice, smoother skin, etc.   Each person will experience different changes which need to be under the care of a specialist, and you must attend every scheduled follow-up.

Caring with Understanding”