Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
MEDICAL CARE

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Transitioning Patients

Transitioning patients often experience many benefits from Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). There are differences between feminizing protocols (male to female transition) and virilizing treatments (female to male). In other words, each individual responds uniquely. We get that!

Hormone replacement therapy may help you feel more at ease with yourself, both physically and psychologically. Hormones cause physical changes, such as breast development for those on estrogen or facial hair growth for those on testosterone. Consequently, HRT may increase your comfort with your gender presentation. HRT is often the first medical treatment people seek when they start to transition, and it may be the only medical treatment you seek during yours.

Maintaining the changes caused by HRT will require you to take hormones for the rest of your life. However, because HRT is a medical treatment, ongoing professional support is key. Our clinic staff will ensure your unique body chemistry is responding appropriately and in a healthy way to your regimen. Certainly, HRT delivers many benefits but there is potential for serious side effects. Moreover, your long-term bone, cardiovascular and metabolic health will benefit from consistent check-ups.

Your initial visit may include any or all of the following:

• Consultation
• Discussion of existing health conditions (if any)
• HIV testing and/or STI/STD screening
• PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
• Possible baseline lab work
• Discussion of clinical goals
• Review effects of hormones
• Discuss fertility and family planning
• Discuss mental health
• Informed consent