Intro to HRT

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Revision as of 21:01, 5 November 2023 by Plants (talk | contribs)

Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a relatively common medical treatment used in many contexts. Despite what many may think, this is not a new or experimental practice, nor is it exclusive to transgender individuals. Hormone replacement therapy has been used for over half a century, starting its use in the 1960s and becoming widely popular in treating menopause in AFAB (assigned female at birth) patients.

In this page, we will cover how HRT can be used in transgender or non-binary patents for gender affirmation. Certain hormones and medications can help feminize or masculinize even someone who has gone through an undesirable puberty.

This website is intended to be a resource for AMAB transgender individuals

What can HRT do for me?

For AMAB transgender individuals who desire female secondary sex characteristics, estradiol hormone therapy is the most common practice: Lowering one's testosterone level and raising one's estradiol (AKA E2, the most biologically active estrogen) levels, targeting that of an average cisgender woman. Transfeminine HRT can also involve many other medications, such as progestogens or antiandrogens. This results in the feminization of the body. You will see changes such as healthier skin, female fat redistribution throughout your body, and breast growth.

Effect Permanence Expected Onset Maximum effect
Body fat redistribution Reversible 1-2 months 2-5 years
Decreased muscle mass Reversible 1-2 months 1-1.5 years
Decreased skin oil Reversible 1-2 months 1-1.5 years
Skin softening Reversible 1-2 months 1-2 years
Decreased libido Reversible days-weeks weeks-months
Decreased random erections Reversible days-weeks weeks-months
Erectile Dysfunction* Reversible days-weeks weeks-months
Breast Development Irreversible 2-6 weeks 2-6 years
Decreased testicular volume Variable 1-3 months 2-3 years
Decreased sperm production Variable 2-6 weeks 1-3 years
Decreased semen volume Veriable 2-6 weeks 1-3 years
Slowing of body & facial hair growth** Reversible 1-3 months 6 months-1 year
Voice changes*** N/A none none
Reversal of male pattern hair loss**** Reversible 1-3 months 1-2 years

*: Most individuals do not experience erectile dysfunction.

**: HRT will slow down body and facial hair growth, only laser/electrolysis can stop it entirely.

***: Transfeminine HRT does not cause an effect on an individual's vocal folds.

****: Male pattern hair loss can be prevented with HRT, but reversal of hair loss is rare.