Hormone Replacement Therapy with Plume | MTF FTM

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy? Transgender HRT and Transition MtF FtM 

This video/guide was made possible by KetchBeauty, one of the few transgender-dedicated brands in the beauty industry. 

 

My name is Victoria Rose, I am a 25 year old woman of transgender experience, and part of what I do on YouTube is produce gender affirming content.

Today, we're going to dive into a topic that's important for many people: Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, and its role in gender transition.

I have been on hormones for over 10 years now, so I have a unique perspective on MtF hormones- today, we will try to cover all our bases, providing you with a general knowledge of what HRT is, how it works, how it affects the body, as well as providing resources to access gender affirming care.

Whether you're curious or considering HRT yourself, I’m going to break it down into easy-to-understand terms. 

 

This video/guide was made possible by KetchBeauty, one of the few transgender-dedicated brands in the beauty industry. 

 

With that, let’s get started with understanding hormone replacement therapy! 

 

Part 1: What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

IMG SOURCE/CREDIT: https://www.fhmedcenter.com/2019/08/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-hormone-replacement-therapy-for-women-2/

 

First things first, what is Hormone Replacement Therapy? Well, it's a medical treatment that involves taking hormones to help align an individual's physical characteristics with their gender identity. It's commonly used by transgender and non-binary individuals who wish to transition.

 

Part 2: How Does HRT Work?

So, how does HRT actually work? As the name suggests, it's all about hormones - the chemical messengers in our bodies. For transgender women (assigned male at birth), HRT typically involves taking what’s called “blockers”, which blocks the body’s natural production of testosterone, and they may take estrogen supplements, which leads to changes we’ll touch on later, like softer skin, breast growth, and a more feminine fat distribution.

 

On the other hand, transgender men (assigned female at birth) might take testosterone supplements during HRT. This can lead to increased muscle mass, facial hair growth, and a deeper voice. The goal is to create physical changes that match an individual's gender identity.

 

Part 3: The Role of HRT in Gender Transition

Now, let's talk about the role HRT plays in gender transition. HRT is an essential component for many people, but it's important to remember that every person's journey is unique. Some people choose not to undergo certain changes, for any number of reasons, and that is also perfectly fine!

The goal of transition is to alleviate gender dysphoria, which is the distress that can come from a disconnect between one's gender identity and physical appearance. 

 

HRT is just one part of the broader process of gender transition, which can also include social changes, legal changes, and potentially surgery. It's a personal decision that should be monitored by professionals, and not everyone chooses or has access to HRT. The most important thing is to support individuals in their chosen path.

 

Among many other requirements, most surgeons require patients to be living full time, including hormones, for at least one year before operating. 

In my case, I know I had to wait for my breast development to finish before I got my breasts done, because results could change as the body continues to transition its chemicals.

 

Part 4: What to Expect During HRT

If you're considering HRT, it's important to know that the effects can take time. Changes won't happen overnight, and they might not be the same for everyone. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

 

Some changes you might experience include changes in body hair, skin texture, fat distribution, and even mood changes. It's important to have realistic expectations and to be patient with the process.

 

Some of the physical changes that transgender women may experience during hormone replacement therapy (HRT) include:

 

1. Breast Development: Estrogen leads to breast tissue growth- this will vary based on the women in your family.
2. Redistribution of Body Fat: Fat starts accumulating in a more feminine pattern, such as hips and thighs.
3. Softer Skin: Skin texture may become smoother and more similar to that of cisgender women.
4. Thinning of Facial and Body Hair: Over time, facial and body hair may become lighter and thinner
5. Changes in Muscle Mass: Muscles might decrease in size and become less defined.
6. Change in Body Odor: Body odor may become milder and more similar to that of cisgender women.
7. Subtle Changes in Facial Features: Facial features could become softer due to fat redistribution.
8. Reduction in Genital Size and Functionality: Over time, genital tissue might shrink. 
9. Male Pattern Baldness: Existing hair loss might slow down or even stop.
10. Change in Libido: Some individuals may experience decreases in sexual desire.
11. Emotional Changes: Emotional responses may become more in line with those of cisgender women. Many transgender women are overwhelmed with emotion for the first year of their transition!

 

Some of the physical changes that transgender men may experience during hormone replacement therapy (HRT) include:

 

1. Voice Deepening: Lucky trans men! Testosterone can lead to vocal cord thickening, resulting in a deeper voice.
2. Facial and Body Hair Growth: Facial hair may become thicker and denser, and body hair might increase.
3. Muscle Mass Increase: Testosterone can promote muscle growth and increase muscle mass.
4. Fat Redistribution: Fat may start accumulating in a more masculine pattern, such as around the abdomen, leaving areas like breasts or hips.
5. Change in Body Odor: Body odor might become stronger and more similar to that of cisgender men.
6. Menstrual Cessation: Menstruation typically stops after a few months of HRT.
7. Changes in Genital Anatomy: The external genitalia may undergo some changes, including growth of the labia and clitoral hood. The clitoris may grow in size due to increased blood flow and tissue growth.
8. Increased Libido: Some individuals may experience an increase in sexual desire.
9. Thinning of Scalp Hair: Many trans men lose hair according to family history.
10. Acne and Skin Changes: Skin might become oilier and more prone to acne, similar to cisgender men.
11. Emotional Changes: Emotional responses may shift and become more in line with those of cisgender men.

 

Part 5: Plume (GetPlume)

I want to emphasize the importance of seeking medical guidance when considering Hormone Replacement Therapy. Self-medicating or obtaining hormones without proper supervision is never a safe or advisable route. Your health and well-being are a top priority. It’s important you find resources, gender clinics, LGBTQ Centers, to help point you in the right direction. With the current social climate, this is not always accessible.

 

That's why I want to introduce you to an incredible resource – Plume. Plume offers gender-affirming care through the internet, with tailored treatments for transgender and non-binary individuals. They provide a safe and supportive environment where you can receive expert guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. As a matter of fact, not long ago, I hosted a webinar on feminizing makeup for trans folks!

 

With Plume, you'll have access to medical experts who understand the unique needs of trans and non-binary folks. They can help you navigate Hormone Replacement Therapy safely and effectively, ensuring you get the best care possible.

 

If you are interested in learning more about Plume and their services, be sure to check out getplume.co

Remember, your journey is important, and you deserve the right support. So, if you're considering HRT or have questions about your gender transition, don't hesitate to explore Plume's services.

 

Conclusion

Thank you all for joining me today as we explored Hormone Replacement Therapy and its role in gender transition. Remember, your health and well-being are your top priority. As transgender people, we have a long history of seeking underground, dangerous, even illegal methods of transition. I for one am so grateful to be living in 2023, where we can reach out to licensed medical professionals from anywhere. Seek proper medical guidance, and consider resources like Plume to ensure you're on the right path.

 

If you found this information helpful, please share it with anyone who might benefit. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay true to yourself. Until next time, good luck, I love you, bye!