The Ugly Truth About MTF HRT

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about hormone treatment, dosage changes, and side effects before starting or changing treatment.

Here’s an unfortunate truth about HRT- it could come with certain negative effects. This is often glossed over by mainstream media or left unaddressed by many trans-related resources.

HRT does entail certain negative effects; but some effects can be managed, and others may need to be discussed with a clinician. 

 

Before we delve into the negative effects, it is important to understand HRT. What is HRT?

It is a therapy where your hormones are replaced to help you transition into the gender that you have always identified with. Therefore, for trans women, estrogen is prescribed to help them with the transitioning, and might be supplemented with testosterone blockers as well.

This will decrease the amount of testosterone- the male hormone- in the body, while increasing estrogen levels, which can help develop feminine attributes such as breasts.  

 

Firstly, depending on your financial situation, HRT might be expensive for you  or might add some extra financial burden to your everyday life. But for many trans women, that is the least of their concerns. 

 

One particular negative effect that some trans women report is mood swings. You may feel like you are on cloud nine one day, while you may not even want to get out of bed the next.

The mood swings that come with HRT are emotionally taxing and might even make you reconsider whether you really want it. Your mood may fluctuate, which is something you may want to be prepared for. 

 

Another less talked about negative effect of HRT is migraines. Whenever there is any alteration of your dosage or if you forget to take it on time, you may experience throbbing headaches.

Some trans women undergoing HRT report an increase in migraine occurrences. Once you start taking estrogen, if its levels fall due to any reason, you may notice symptoms like headaches and brain fog and extreme exhaustion.

On such days, you may find it hard to go about your daily routine.  

 

Next, there is also a lot of disappointment associated with HRT. The fact is that HRT is a gradual process. On some days, when your estrogen levels fall, you may wake up with an erection- which is an indication of your testosterone acting up.

This may feel like you are not making any progress at all. These days can be extremely frustrating, as it may seem like wasted effort.

However, hormone changes can take time. You may have a few bad days initially. However, with time, side effects may ease for some people; talk to a clinician if they persist.   

 

Lastly, it can be excruciating to take hormones every day or every week. You have to incorporate it into your routine every week. And your dosage and how you absorb the medicine also impacts the effects- both good and bad. 

While these are some of the downsides of HRT, many people weigh the advantages it brings against the side effects. Living the life you always wanted and being comfortable in your own skin are benefits many people value. 

However, before beginning therapy, please consider various advantages and disadvantages, and talk with a qualified clinician about whether it is right for you. Good luck!! 

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