Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone to supplement hormones that decline naturally with age. The goals of HRT are to alleviate bothersome menopausal symptoms, prevent bone loss, and reduce fracture risk. HRT can have significant effects throughout the body.
Estrogen is used to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms of menopause. Estrogen helps regulate menstrual cycles and improve uterine and vaginal health in transgender women. It causes breast tissue to grow and become less fibrous or dense, leading to breast enlargement. Estrogen distribution can result in more feminine fat storage patterns, including more fat deposited on the hips, thighs, and buttocks and less fat in the abdomen. It improves skin elasticity and tone while slowing male pattern hair growth. Estrogen also affects liver proteins and increases venous thromboembolism risk.
Progesterone has similar effects and risks as estrogen but also lowers risk of endometrial hyperplasia. In transgender women, it can slow or limit breast development. Progesterone is not always paired with estrogen, as some people do better on estrogen alone.
Testosterone prescribed to transgender men results in development of male secondary sex characteristics. Effects include deepening of the voice, facial and body hair growth, cessation of menses, increased muscle mass and strength, redistribution of body fat in a more masculine pattern, development of testicular structures (colloquially called 'bottom growth'), and male-typical libido and sexual function. Some testosterone is aromatized to estrogen, so high doses can prevent menopausal symptoms in female-to-male transgender patients and increase risks similar to those of estrogen. Testosterone therapy does not significantly increase risk for cardiovascular disease.
Bone density increases in transgender women treated with estrogen. And transgender men treated with testosterone see an increase in bone density provided they did not have their ovaries removed. Therefore, HRT helps prevent osteoporosis.
In summary, the effects of HRT are widespread throughout the body. Estrogen therapy is used to treat menopausal symptoms and improve the health of female reproductive organs. Progesterone offsets the risks of taking estrogen alone. And testosterone develops male secondary sexual characteristics and prevents bone loss in transgender men.Hormone Harmony helps transgender and gender diverse individuals get access to safe and effective hormone therapy. Our compassionate providers tailor treatment to meet each patient's unique goals.
