Hormone Replacement Therapy: Difference between revisions

'''Hormone Replacement Therapy''' ('''HRT''') is the medical process of blocking the body's naturally produced [[sex]] [[hormones]] and/or replacing or supplementing these with a different sex hormone or set of sex hormones. Sex hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Many [[transgender]] individuals undergo hormone therapy as part of their transition. [[Non-Binary|Non-binary]] and [[genderqueer]] inidvidualsindividuals may also choose to undergo HRT as well. Not all trans folkfolks choose to undergo HRT, either for medical reason or because they are already comfortable with their appearance.

Some [[cisgender]] individuals also undergo HRT,. however thisIt is mostlyusually to replace the hormones that their body naturally used to make. This is most common for older individuals, who'swhose bodies no longer produce sex hormones at a healthy amount. However, there are also cis individuals who undergo HRT for the "opposite" sex, usually due to being [[transsex]]/[[altersex]]. ForOne example, someof this would be cis [[butch]] [[lesbian|lesbians]]s willthat take testosterone to appear more masculine.

Female-to-male HRT or [[transmasculine]] HRT typically has the goal of increasing testosterone levels until the levels of an average [[Assigned Gender|AMABwolffian]] body is reached. Testosterone is most commonly taken through injection (either intramuscular or subcutaneous) but can also be taken through gels, however with gel results are typically occur slower. Although testosterone pills do exist, these are typically not used as they can cause dangerous amounts of liver damage.

Male-to-female HRT or [[transfeminine]] HRT typically has the goal of decreasing testosterone levels and increasing estrogen levels until the levels of an average AFAB[[Müllerian|mullerian]] body is reached. This is done through the administration of estrogens, and possibly progesterone as well. Many indivdualsindividuals also require antiandrogens, to decrease testosterone, in order to see desired effects. These are commonly taken through pills or through injection (either intramuscular or subcutaneous) but it can also be taken through gels, however with gel results are typically occur slower.