An In-depth Look at MTF Transgender Hormones

Before we delve into transgender hormones, please note that this is not medical advice but is based on substantial research. This is an extremely broad field that is constantly developing. There are traditional attributes and more modern developments underlying it.

Many aspects of this remain under researched, which means there are definitely some risks attached. Many trans women frequently worry about the long-term consequences of such risks.

This is an understandable concern since it involves taking a pill every single day. However, many trans women understandably prefer this to going through dysphoria and depression.   

For trans women, the hormone that is prescribed is estrogen, which affects the body in a range of ways.

These effects can include breast growth and fat moving towards the buttocks region as well as the hips. Effects vary from person to person.

There are a host of feminizing traits that come with it, such as redistributions of your fat, change in your emotions, and so on. In addition, trans women are also prescribed testosterone blockers, such as Spironolactone.

The downside of this is dehydration, since it becomes challenging for your body to absorb water. While this is undoubtedly problematic, your body requires some way in which testosterone generation gets blocked.  

Orchiectomy is another solution, wherein your testes are removed. Thus, after this point, testosterone production is greatly reduced.

This small percentage is actually helpful, since it can lead to sexual arousal. There are two types of estrogen- E1 and E2, with the former being the weaker form of estrogen.

The ratio of E1 to E2 will determine the extent to which these hormones will feminize your body. If your E1 is extremely high, there won’t be adequate feminizing effects to facilitate fat redistribution and growth of breasts.

This typically happens when you directly consume the pill, as it reaches your liver leading to high levels of estrogen.

Route and timing are decisions to discuss with a clinician, since different routes are processed by the body differently and levels need monitoring.     

Many trans women also swear by estradiol injections as it is supposed to facilitate significant body transformation.

This method is described by some people as highly feminizing. One form sometimes discussed is estradiol valerate. Any dose or schedule belongs in conversation with a clinician, not in this article.

Injections tend to bypass the liver and they aren’t as taxing as putting a pill under your tongue without swallowing it.

In addition, risks differ by route and by person, and pills and injections carry different risks, including blood clots in some cases. Discuss the risks of each route with a clinician.

Furthermore, for some people injections may also lower testosterone, but whether a separate testosterone blocker is still needed is a clinician decision.

If you are a trans woman undergoing HRT, kidney stones are one risk some people discuss with a clinician.

Therefore, ask a clinician whether monitoring calcium levels or oxalates makes sense for you.

Injections are typically of two types: subcutaneous and intramuscular. With the latter, you inject into your muscle while with the former, the injection is administered on fat.

If you tend to work out frequently, intramuscular administration could be problematic, because you tend to squish the muscle, which moves the estrogen around and increases the spike of the hormone.

As a result, the flow of the hormone tends to be more uneven. Thus, which route suits you is a decision to make with a clinician.   

Finally, some people prefer bioidentical estrogen, while others use other forms. Discuss the options and their risks with a clinician rather than choosing on this article alone. Breast growth varies from person to person.

Vitamin D and other supplements are sometimes discussed for health during this process, which can be physically demanding. Ask a clinician what, if anything, suits you. We hope this article has provided you with an in-depth understanding of HRT. Good luck!!

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What You Should Know About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

If you are a trans woman beginning transition, hormone replacement therapy may raise a myriad of questions, and there are things worth knowing before you dive in. First, HRT affects the brain and your emotions, and that can be positive or negative: for trans women, the experience is often the opposite of the irritability associated with testosterone, and you may find yourself calmer, more aware of your environment, and more soft on the inside, and extremely in touch with your emotions. Regardless of which hormone you are on, be prepared for a reconfiguration of your brain and neurochemistry. You will also notice several bodily changes, including changes in your hair, breasts, skin, and more. This is general information, not medical advice, and any hormone plan, dose, or schedule belongs in conversation with a clinician who knows your health history.