Transformed Hormone Treatments and Physical Alterations: Anticipated Effects and Beyond
Estrogen hormone therapy plays a significant role in the gender transition journey for many transgender women. This treatment induces gradual physical, emotional, and reproductive changes over a period of months to years.
Physical Changes:
The first few months of estrogen hormone therapy often bring about noticeable changes. Breast development, for instance, can start within 3-6 months and continue for 2-3 years. Redistribution of body fat to a more typically female pattern, such as hips and thighs, begins around the same time. Reduction in muscle mass and strength, softer skin, and decreased body and facial hair growth occur gradually over 6-12 months. Testicular size and erectile function usually decrease over several months, with some changes, like decreased spontaneous erections, being noticed after a few months.
These effects result from estrogen combined with anti-androgens to suppress male hormones.
Emotional Changes:
Emotional shifts and changes in libido are common during estrogen hormone therapy. Emotional sensitivity and mood fluctuations may begin within weeks to a few months. Libido typically decreases or changes within three to six months as testosterone suppression takes effect.
Sexual Changes:
Sexual changes involve decreased spontaneous erections, reduced erectile function, and changes in sexual response. Erectile function usually diminishes gradually within the first 3-6 months. Some trans women experience changes in orgasm and sexual sensation after several months of hormone replacement therapy.
Reproductive Changes:
Fertility generally declines during estrogen hormone therapy, but effects can be variable and are often considered irreversible with prolonged therapy. Testicular atrophy and decreased sperm production typically develop over months, so fertility preservation is often recommended prior to starting therapy if future fertility is desired.
Additional Context:
Regular medical monitoring with blood tests is critical to ensure safety and adjust dosing. Psychological and social adjustments, including living in the affirmed gender role, are also important and may take 1-2 years or more alongside physical changes. The timing of starting estrogen hormone therapy can vary widely, often starting as early as 16 years old, based on individual circumstances and medical guidance.
It is crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of estrogen hormone therapy, including fertility options and the possibility of surgery in the future, with a healthcare professional. People may notice more changes if they use anti-androgen therapy alongside estrogen therapy. Transgender women with diabetes may be at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease during estrogen hormone therapy. Research suggests that people over the age of 40 metabolize estrogen better through transdermal application.
In summary, estrogen hormone therapy induces gradual physical changes beginning within a few months, emotional and sexual shifts typically within months, and reproductive changes developing over time. Full feminizing effects usually take 2-3 years to stabilize or reach maximum effects.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hormone therapy for transgender women. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hormone-therapy/about/pac-20394883
[2] American Psychological Association. (2020). Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People. [online] Available at: https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbtq/resources/transgender-health/standards-of-care
[3] World Professional Association for Transgender Health. (2012). Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People. [online] Available at: https://www.wpath.org/publications/soc
[4] National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Hormone treatment for transgender people. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/treatment/hormone-therapy/
[5] Endocrine Society. (2017). Endocrine Treatment of Transgender Persons: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. [online] Available at: https://academic.oup.com/endocrinolmetab/article/33/1/R1/5623362
- Women undergoing hormone therapy in the process of gender transition experience physical changes, such as breast development, redistribution of body fat, and softening of the skin.
- The first few months of estrogen hormone therapy often bring about noticeable changes, like the start of breast development.
- Reduction in muscle mass and strength, as well as decreased body and facial hair growth, occur gradually over 6-12 months during hormone therapy.
- Emotional shifts and changes in libido are common during estrogen hormone therapy, with emotional sensitivity and mood fluctuations occurring within weeks to a few months.
- In regards to sexual changes, decreased spontaneous erections and reduced erectile function are common, with such changes beginning within the first 3-6 months.
- Fertility generally declines during estrogen hormone therapy, with testicular atrophy and decreased sperm production developing over months.
- Regular medical monitoring with blood tests is crucial to ensure safety and adjust dosing during estrogen hormone therapy.
- Psychological and social adjustments, including living in the affirmed gender role, are also important and may take 1-2 years or more alongside physical changes.
- The timing of starting estrogen hormone therapy can vary widely, often starting as early as 16 years old, based on individual circumstances and medical guidance.
- It is crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of estrogen hormone therapy with a healthcare professional, including fertility options and the possibility of surgery in the future.
- People may notice more changes if they use anti-androgen therapy alongside estrogen therapy.
- Transgender women with diabetes may be at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease during estrogen hormone therapy.
- Research suggests that people over the age of 40 metabolize estrogen better through transdermal application.
- Full feminizing effects usually take 2-3 years to stabilize or reach maximum effects during hormone therapy.
- Nutrition, weight management, and fitness and exercise play an essential role in overall health and wellness for transgender women undergoing hormone therapy.
- Therapies and treatments, such as skin-care and CBD products, may also be beneficial for managing symptoms during the gender transition journey.
- Education and self-development, personal growth, and career development can help transgender women navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with the gender transition process.
- In addition to hormone therapy, sports and activities, such as golf, basketball, racing, tennis, and mixed-martial-arts, can contribute to overall well-being and provide opportunities for social integration and support.
