Hormone Replacement Therapy: Difference between revisions

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'''Hormone Replacement Therapy''' ('''HRT''') is the medical process of blocking the body's naturally produced sex hormones and/or replacing or supplementing these with a different sex hormone or set of sex hormones. Sex hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Many [[transgender]] people undergo hormone therapy as part of their transition. [[Non-Binary|Non-binary]] and [[genderqueer]] people may also choose to undergo HRT as well. Not all trans people choose to undergo HRT, either for medical reason or because they are already comfortable with their appearance.

Some [[cisgender]] people also undergo HRT, however this is mostly to replace the hormones that their body naturally used to make. This is most common for older people, who's bodies no longer produce sex hormones at a healthy amount. However, there are also cis people who undergo HRT for the "opposite" sex. For example, some cis [[butch]] [[lesbian|lesbians]] will take testosterone to appear more masculine.

Female-to-male HRT or [[transmasculine]] HRT typically has the goal of increasing testosterone levels until the levels of an average [[Assigned Gender|AMAB]] body is reached. Testosterone is most commonly taken through injection (either intramuscular or subcutaneous) but can also be taken through gels, however with gel results are typically occur slower. Although testosterone pill do exist these are not used as they can cause dangerous amounts of liver damage.

Male-to-female HRT or [[transfeminine]] HRT typically has the goal of decreasing testosterone levels and increasing estrogen levels until the levels of an average AFAB body is reached. This is done through the administration of estrogens, and possibly progesterone as well. Many people also require antiandrogens, to decrease testosterone, in order to see desired effects. These are commonly taken through pills or through injection (either intramuscular or subcutaneous) but it can also be taken through gels, however with gel results are typically occur slower.

Some non-binary and genderqueer people may choose to undergo HRT for the "opposite" sex of their assigned gender at birth. Some are fine with undergoing a "full" hormone transition. However some may choose to go on a lower dose, possibly combined with a hormone blocker. This may allow them experience changes very gradually. They may also stop and start HRT as needed in order to maintain a more androgynous appearance. For others they may take the hormone blockers along with a minimum possible 'maintenance dose' designed to be the minimum required for healthy body functions. Some will opt to take hormones until permanent effects (such as voice deepening or the growth of breast tissue or facial hair) are achieved and then stop so the non-permanent effects are reversed.