Feminizing hormone therapy for transgender people

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Feminizing hormone therapy is used to induce physical changes in the body according to the female sex. Transgender female hormone pills are an estrogen supplement that blocks the action of the testosterone used during the transgender process. This female hormone pill also has notable side effects.

1. What is female hormone pills for transgender people?

Hormone medicine is a type of hormone supplement according to the needs of the user. Feminizing hormone therapy is used to induce physical changes in the body to promote a match between body characteristics and morphology. If feminizing hormone therapy is started before the male sex changes of puberty, male sex characteristics such as excessive body hair and changes in voice pitch can be avoided. speak. Feminizing hormone therapy is also known as sex-affirming hormone therapy.
Feminizing hormone treatment begins with medication to block the action of the hormone testosterone. At the same time, the patient will also be given the hormone estrogen to reduce testosterone production and create female sex characteristics. The changes caused by this hormone medication can be temporary or permanent. Oral female hormones for transgender people can be used alone or in combination with feminization surgery.
However, transsexual female hormone pills can affect fertility, sexual function and cause other health problems. Therefore, it is important to weigh the benefits and risks carefully before using hormone therapy.

2. The effect of female hormone pills for transgender people

Female hormone pills for transgender people are used to change female hormone levels to suit the characteristics and body morphology. In addition, feminizing hormone therapy also has the following effects:
Relieves gender depression Reduces psychological and emotional distress Improves psychological and social functioning Improves sexual function quality of life Research shows that feminizing hormone therapy can be safe and effective. If used in adolescents, hormone medications are usually started at age 16. Ideally, treatment should be started before secondary sex characteristics develop so that adolescents can experience puberty as sex. identified by them. Many transgender women are treated with female hormone medications to delay the onset of puberty.

3. Contraindications of oral female hormone pills for transgender people

Female hormone pills for transgender people are not used for the following cases:
Children. Have had or have had a hormone-sensitive cancer, such as prostate cancer. Thromboembolism, such as when a blood clot forms in one or more deep veins (deep vein thrombosis) or blocks a pulmonary artery (pulmonary embolism). Have an uncontrolled behavioral health condition. Have a serious uncontrolled medical condition.

4. Complications of female hormone pills for transgender people

Complications of feminizing hormone therapy in transgender people may include:
Blood clot formation in the deep veins (deep vein thrombosis) or in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary embolism) Hyperlipidemia Weight gain Hyperkalemia Hypertension Type 2 diabetes Cardiovascular disease Increased blood prolactin Nipple secretions Stroke Increased risk of breast cancer Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation Infertility Risk The risk of permanent infertility is increased with long-term female hormone therapy, especially when started before puberty. Even after stopping hormone therapy, testicular function may not recover enough to warrant conception without assisted reproductive technology.

5. Notes before using female hormone pills for transgender people

Before starting female hormone therapy, your doctor will evaluate your health to rule out or address factors that may influence or be contraindicated for treatment. Evaluation may include:
Evaluation of personal and family medical history Immunization history General physical exam , including assessment of external genitalia Gender and age appropriate screening Complete blood count, blood sugar, liver enzymes, measure blood lipid levels, electrolytes and hormone prolactin. Assess tobacco use, drug abuse, alcohol use, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Discuss sperm freezing before therapy. Discuss potentially harmful treatments. In addition, behavioral health assessments may also be needed such as:
Gender identity and gender dysphoria. The impact of gender identity at school, work, family and society, including issues related to discrimination, minority tensions and relationship abuse. Mood or other mental health concerns Sexual health concerns Risk behaviors include stimulant use and use of non-medically certified silicone injections or hormone or substance therapies No additions are approved. Protective factors from family, friends and colleagues. Patients' goals and expectations about treatment and future care plans Adolescents under 18 years of age, whether traveling with a parent or guardian, should also be assessed for their health and behavior , as well as discuss the risks and possible complications of hormone therapy during sex change in this age group.

6. Steps of Feminizing Hormone Therapy

6.1 During therapy It is common to start feminizing hormone therapy with the diuretic spironolactone (Aldactone) at a dose of 100 to 200 milligrams per day. This medication works by blocking male sex hormone (androgen) receptors and may inhibit testosterone production.
After 4 to 8 weeks, the patient will start taking estrogen to cause feminization to decrease and testosterone production. Estrogen therapy can be used in many ways, including as an oral tablet, injection, or topical preparations such as gels, creams, sprays, or patches. However, if there is a personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis, oral estrogen should not be used. Using recombinant gonadotropin-releasing hormones (Gn-RH) to inhibit testosterone production may allow lower estrogen doses and the absence of spironolactone. However, recombinant hormones similar to Gn-RH are expensive.
Complementary therapies include:
Progesterone in the form of granules can improve breast growth Finasteride (Propecia) or topical minoxidil (Rogaine) or a combination of both for men with male pattern baldness. 6.2 After the treatment Feminizing hormone therapy will start to cause body changes within a few weeks to a few months. The progression over time is as follows:
Decreased libido: one to three months after starting treatment, maximum effect occurs within one to two years. Spontaneous decrease in erection: after one to three months of treatment, the maximum effect occurs within three to six months. Slow down hair loss: start one to three months after treatment. Softer, less greasy skin: starting three to six months after treatment. Testicular atrophy: three to six months after starting treatment, maximum effect within two to three years. Breast development: three to six months after starting treatment, maximum effect is reached within two to three years. Redistribution of body fat: beginning three to six months after treatment, maximum occurring within two to five years. Loss of muscle mass: three to six months after treatment, maximum occurs within one to two years. Reduced facial and body hair growth: begins six to 12 months after treatment and reaches maximum effect within three years. 6.3 Feminizing Hormone Therapy Results During the first year of transgender female hormone therapy, you will need to see your doctor for a checkup approximately every three months or any time your hormone regimen changes. . The testing process includes:
Record physical changes Monitor hormone levels and use the lowest possible dose that still achieves the desired effect Monitor changes in blood counts, fasting blood sugar , lipid levels, liver enzymes and electrolytes. Behavioral health monitoring Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, bone density assessment as recommended in accordance with Routine breast cancer screening by monthly breast self-exam and mammogram screening according to screening recommendations age-appropriate breast cancer for transgender people. Prostate cancer screening according to age-appropriate recommendations for transgender men. With estrogen treatment, blood PSA levels are expected to decrease by about 50%. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical professionals, a system of modern equipment and technology. The hospital provides comprehensive and professional medical examination, consultation and treatment services, with a civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

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Reference source: mayoclinic.org