Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

« Back to Glossary Index

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), can help transgender people achieve body changes that better align with their gender identity. HRT type depends on the person: 

  • Transgender men: Exogenous testosterone induces virilization and suppresses feminizing characteristics. HRT increases levels to normal male range
  • Transgender women: Exogenous estrogen feminizes patients, and anti-androgens suppress masculinizing features. HRT decreases testosterone levels to normal female range.

HRT can ease psychological/emotional distress and improve social wellbeing and satisfaction with sex and quality of life. HRT effects vary and can take time to develop, from immediate to 2-5 years. It can be used with surgery and voice therapy. Other possible effects:

  • Redistributing weight, with fat collecting around hips/thighs, with muscles in arms/legs less defined
  • Decreasing muscle mass and strength
  • Changing facial appearance
  • Changing voice
  • Causing thicker and faster-growing hair in different places
  • Changing libido and sexuality
  • Shortening periods that eventually stop
en_USEnglish
en_USEnglish