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.