What is HRT called now? - Vital Hormones Clinic

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is now more commonly referred to as gender-affirming hormone therapy or GAHT. This change in terminology reflects an understanding that transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse people undergo hormone therapy not merely to "replace" hormones associated with their sex assigned at birth, but rather to bring their physical characteristics and hormone levels into better alignment with their gender identity. Some key points about gender-affirming hormone therapy:

Goals of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy: Types of Gender-Affirming Hormones: For transgender women and others wishing to develop feminine secondary sex characteristics: For transgender men and others aiming to masculinize features:
Expected Timeline for Gender-Affirming Hormone Effects: Feminizing Hormone Therapy Masculinizing Hormone Therapy Of course, changes vary from person to person based on factors like dosage, genetics, lifestyle choices (diet, exercise), so it’s important to work with your GAHT provider to set reasonable expectations. Risks and Side Effects While GAHT allows many transgender people to feel more at home in their bodies, there are some risks to be aware of: This makes following your hormone provider’s lab testing and monitoring guidelines extremely important for minimizing risks on GAHT. Always immediately report new symptoms like chest pain, leg pain/swelling, sudden vision issues, etc. to your GAHT physician. | Feminizing HRT | Masculinizing HRT | |-|-| | Breast tenderness | Acne, oily skin | | Headaches | Sleep apnea | | Nausea | Anger, aggression | | Low libido | Vaginal atrophy | The decision to start or continue GAHT involves carefully weighing potential benefits against possible side effects. This is why it's so important to work with a provider experienced in transgender healthcare when considering gender-affirming hormones.
In summary, gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) has largely replaced the term "hormone replacement therapy" when referring to feminizing or masculinizing hormones for transgender patients. This change emphasizes treating hormone levels according to one's gender identity rather than sex assigned at birth. By better understanding the nuanced goals, effects, risks, and options for GAHT, transgender individuals can make informed decisions on pursuing hormones as part of their transition.

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