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

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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.   

Types of Hormones	Pros	Cons
Injection every 2 weeks (adjustable on a case-by-case basis)	Easy to adjust dose	Level of hormones fluctuates at the beginning of week 1 and end of week 2 before next injection May cause side effects when adjust dosage of hormones. May cause mood swings
Injection every 3 months	Stable hormone levels No need for frequent injection	Painful injection due to high dosage
Topical Medication	Stable hormones level No need for any injection	Daily administration  May cause skin irritation  Can be transferred to others via skin-to-skin contact
Oral Medication	Easy to use	May have problem absorbing the medicine Unstable hormones level May have side effects on liver function

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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.

Type Hormones	Pros	Cons
Injection	No need for frequent injection Level of hormones does not depend on digestive system	Level of hormones may exceed the normal level during an initial treatment Pain at site of injection
Topical Medication	Stable hormone levels Does not irritate liver function Reduce risks of blood clot	May cause minor skin irritation
Oral Medication	Easy to adjust dosage Easy to use	Daily intake May have effects on liver function Increase risks of blood clot

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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”