Intersex & Transgender Health

The process of transitioning from one gender to another may require hormone changes and replacement with the assistance of a hormone specialist.

Hormone transitions are done to produce masculinising effects in a female-to-male trans person, and feminizing effects in a male-to-female trans person. Intersex conditions also require hormone transitions to fit the patient into their predominant or preferred sexual anatomy.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

 Common hormone therapy transitions are masculinising hormone therapy and feminizing hormone therapy. Hormone replacement therapy for men or masculinising treatment reduces the level of estrogen and increases testosterone level to allow masculine changes to occur. Masculinising hormone therapy includes oral, parental, implant, and the use of patches and creams.

Feminising therapy (referred to as hormones for male to female transition, MTF hormones or MTF HRT) reduces the level of testosterone and increases estrogen levels to allow feminine changes to occur. 

Feminising hormone therapy includes testosterone blockers, estrogen, and progesterone. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is commonly used to reduce the production of testosterone. After six to eight weeks, estrogen hormone therapy is introduced to suppress testosterone production further. With proper supervision, transgender and intersex hormone transitions are generally safe. Potential risks can be monitored through screenings and tests.