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Gender-Affirming Hormones

Gender-affirming hormones are used to alter someone’s physical appearance to more closely align their physical body with their gender identity. For trans, non-binary, and gender expansive people seeking gender-affirming medical care, it is the most common medical path. Hormones may be used alone or along with gender affirmation surgery. Importantly, trans people do not need to take gender-affirming hormones or have gender-affirming surgery to be trans—these are simply medical options available to those who would feel the most authentic and affirmed in their bodies through experiencing these changes.

Choosing whether to start, alter, or stop gender-affirming hormones is an important decision. If you are considering gender-affirming hormones, it is crucial to understand how they may impact your body. 

  • Make sure to discuss physical, emotional, and fertility changes with your provider
  • Understand which changes may be reversible, and which are not reversible
  • Set realistic expectations for gender-affirming hormones. Some changes may take months or years, and the effects are unique to each individual
  • Plan to keep regular follow-up appointments to monitor your health and the changes you experience with gender affirming hormones
  • Gender-affirming hormones come in the form of a pill, injection, patch, or cream. Discuss with your provider which option best fits your goals and health history

“Feminizing”* Gender-Affirming Hormones: Testosterone Blockers and Estrogen

Transgender women, non-binary folx, and transfeminine gender expansive individuals may be interested in taking testosterone blockers and/or estrogen with the goal of increasing “feminine” secondary sex characteristics such as breast growth, the redistribution of body fat to hips and thighs, the reduction of muscle mass, and potential thinning or slowing of facial and body hair growth. Please note that gender-affirming hormones affect each person differently—it is not possible to choose which changes you may experience.

“Masculinizing”* Gender Affirming Hormone: Testosterone

Transgender men, non-binary folx, and transmasculine gender expansive individuals may be interested in taking testosterone with the goal of increasing “masculine” secondary sex characteristics such as the development of a deeper voice, the redistribution of body fat away from hips and thighs, increased body and facial hair, increased muscle mass, and changes to monthly bleeding/menstrual cycle. Please note that gender-affirming hormones affect each person differently—it is not possible to choose which changes you may experience.

Expert Care

Gender-affirming hormones and primary care at Temple are provided by experienced clinicians who are medical and academic leaders in their fields. These specialists are here to guide you throughout your gender affirmation journey. Temple Health also offers access to support services, such as voice therapy, so that every individual can feel confident in their bodies as their authentic selves.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognizes Temple University Hospital as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader. This designation is given to healthcare facilities that foster a welcoming environment and work to provide equal care for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and staff through policies and services. We also identify LGBTQ+ Affirming providers who have completed a set of requirements, including LGBTQ+ competency training, and have attested to a set of principles about respectful care for LGBTQ+ patients.

Learn more about our LGBTQ+-centered care >

Ready for an Appointment?

Find a doctor near you, request an appointment, or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
 

* The Language We Use: “Feminine” and “Masculine” (and why are they in quotes?)
The binary sex categories, “female”/“male”, and gender categories, “woman”/“man”, do not comprehensively or accurately reflect the diversity of trans, non-binary, and gender expansive peoples' identities, bodies, or experiences. This is why we do not use binary gender or sex language for our gender-affirming services. Instead we use “feminine” and “masculine”. At Temple, we understand “feminine” and “masculine” to include all folx who could desire accessing gender affirming hormones–binary folx (men and women) and non-binary individuals alike. We also recognize that not everybody will use gender-affirming hormones with the intention of “masculinizing” or “feminizing” their bodies, and that bodies’ hormonal makeup is not inherently “masculine” or “feminine,” which is why we have these terms in quotations. The language we use is intentional and grounded in our commitment to honoring gender-diverse people.