Over The Counter Male To Female Hormones

Male To Female Hormone Options

There are many different types of hormones used for transitioning. These include progesterone and androgens . Both testosterone and progesterone can be taken orally, via injections, or topically.

There are many different delivery methods for hormones and each has its associated risks and benefits.

Please note that we are not medical professionals the information provided here is an aggregate of research across the internet.

It should not be considered medical advice. Please speak to your physician before beginning any hormone therapy treatment plan.

Risk Of Heart Problems

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer might increase the risk of heart problems if you have certain medical conditions.

This may be because some of the side effects of hormone therapy, such as weight gain, can make heart disease worse.

• Gynecomastia in Patients with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review

  A Fagerlund and others

• Treatment Of Osteoporosis in Men

  UpToDate, Accessed August 2019

• Cardiovascular effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer

  J Lester and D Mason,

  Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety, 2015. Volume 7

• Cognitive Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Men With Advanced Prostate Cancer

  B Gunlusoy and others

Side Effects Of Hormone Therapy In Men

Many men find that the side effects are often worse at the start of treatment. They usually settle down after a few weeks or months.

The side effects you might have depend on the type of hormone therapy that you are having.

Some side effects are common to all hormone therapies. Some vary from drug to drug. You might not have all of these side effects.

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What Happens During Transgender Surgery

What happens during surgery varies depending on the procedure. You may choose facial surgery, top surgery, bottom surgery or a combination of these operations.

Facial surgery may change your:

• Cheekbones: Many transgender women have injections to enhance the cheekbones.
• Chin: You may opt to soften or more prominently define your chins angles.
• Jaw: A surgeon may shave down your jawbone or use fillers to enhance your jaw.
• Nose: You may have a rhinoplasty, surgery to reshape the nose.

If you are a transgender woman , other surgeries may include:

• Adams apple reduction.
• Placement of breast implants .
• Removal of the penis and scrotum .
• Construction of a vagina and labia .

If you are a transgender man , you may have surgeries that involve:

• Removal of the ovaries and uterus .
• Construction of a penis and scrotum .

What Is Natural Estrogen Replacement

Natural estrogen replacement hormones are an alternative hormone replacement therapy for women going through menopause. During menopause, the body produces a much lower amount of estrogen and progesterone, and the woman no longer has a menstrual cycle because her ovaries have ceased releasing eggs on a monthly basis. Natural estrogen replacement therapy consists of consuming products and foods which stimulate or have a high level of phytoestrogen. Chemical estrogen replacement therapy is available, but there have been studies that have shown that these chemicals greatly increase the womans chance of developing breast cancer, so many women look for natural alternatives to chemical hormone replacement therapy.

Soy bean products are extremely rich in isoflavones, a group of foods that contain phytoestrogen. Tofu, edamame, soy milk, and supplements are the most popular food sources containing high amounts of soy beans. Soy bean consumption by menopausal women has been the subject of many studies, and it has been found to reduce the side effects of menopause while increasing the womans bone mineral density.

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What Else Can I Do To Ease Menopause Symptoms

There are many things you can do to curb hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and lost libido. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, relaxation techniques, and keeping a regular sleep schedule can help. If you smoke, quit . Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Lubricants can greatly ease vaginal dryness and heighten sexual sensation.Stay active to avoid depression and seek social support from woemn like you

Your doctor can give you more information about these techniques and other treatment options. The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors has become more common in women who are not good candidates for hormone therapy or prefer not to use hormones. Paroxetine is the only non hormonal therapy specifically approved by the FDA for hot flahes, but some relief has been found with gabapentin .

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What Are The Types Of Transgender Surgery

Gender-affirming surgery gives transgender people a body that aligns with their gender. It may involve procedures on the face, chest or genitalia. Common transgender surgery options include:

• Facial reconstructive surgery to make facial features more masculine or feminine.
• Chest or Top surgery to remove breast tissue for a more masculine appearance or enhance breast size and shape for a more feminine appearance.
• Genital or Bottom surgery to transform and reconstruct the genitalia.

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What Happens After Facial Feminization Surgery

Youll have gauze or bandages over your incisions for several days. You might wear compression wraps around your forehead or jaw to reduce inflammation.

You may go home with a surgical drain. A drain is a thin, plastic tube that the surgeon places under your skin. It helps drain blood and fluid to prevent swelling.

Your healthcare provider will probably take out the nonabsorbable stitches a week after your surgery, or they may place absorbable stitches that don’t need to be removed. However, after the sutures are removed, you face will still need weeks to continue to healing process until the final result is fully visible.

How Do I Prepare For Facial Feminization Surgery

Before facial feminization surgery, your healthcare provider will perform a thorough personal assessment. They will ask you about your goals for surgery and explain what you can expect during your recovery after the procedure. It’s important that you and your surgeon have goals that are aligned and realistic.

Your provider also makes sure youre in good physical health by:

• Assessing your lifestyle, including smoking or drinking habits.
• Doing a physical exam, including lab tests.
• Identifying risks for potential complications.
• Reviewing your current medications and any allergies you may have.

You might also have imaging scans before facial feminization surgery. X-rays or CT scans take pictures of the bones and soft tissues of your face and skull. Your surgeon may also measure your face, take photographs and assess your skin quality. All of this information helps your surgeon plan your treatment.

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Taking Estrogen With A Progestin Vs Estrogen Alone

Treating menopausal symptoms with estrogen and progestin together is known as estrogen-progestin therapy or combined hormone therapy. Although estrogen alone improves the symptoms of menopause, it increases the risk of cancer of the uterus . Adding a progestin to the estrogen lowers the risk of endometrial cancer back to normal. Because of this, EPT is given to women who still have a uterus . EPT can be given 2 ways:

• Continuous EPT means the same dose of estrogen and progestin is taken each day. Women often prefer continuous EPT because it rarely leads to menstrual-like bleeding.
• Sequential EPT means different amounts of each hormone are taken on specific days. There are different ways to do this. For example, estrogen can be taken by itself for 14 days, then estrogen plus progestin for 11 days, then neither hormone for 3 to 5 days. Other schedules involve taking progestin only every few months. This lowers the amount of progestin that you are exposed to. Monthly regimens are also thought to result in hormone levels that are more like the natural menstrual cycle. Cyclical EPT can produce bleeding like a menstrual period, but it can occur less often than monthly.

Bioidentical Or Natural Hormones

Bioidentical hormones are hormone preparations made from plant sources that are promoted as being similar or identical to human hormones.

Practitioners claim these hormones are a natural and safer alternative to standard HRT medicines.

However, bioidentical preparations are not recommended because:

• they are not regulated and its not clear how safe they are theres no good evidence to suggest theyre safer than standard HRT
• its not known how effective they are in reducing menopausal symptoms
• the balance of hormones used in bioidentical preparations is usually based on the hormone levels in your saliva, but theres no evidence that these levels are related to your symptoms

Bioidentical hormones are not the same as body identical hormones. A body identical hormone, or micronised progesterone, can be prescribed to treat menopausal symptoms.

Many standard HRT hormones are made from natural sources, but unlike bioidentical hormones, theyre closely regulated and have been well researched to ensure theyre as effective and safe as possible.

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What Is The Difference Between Transgender And Nonbinary

The term transgender describes someone whose gender identity is different than their sex assigned at birth. Gender nonbinary describes someone whose gender identity does not fit within traditional female or male categories. People in either of these categories may opt for gender affirmation medical treatment or surgery.

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When Can People Take It

The age at which people can access gender affirming hormone therapy varies globally.

For example, in Europe, many countries allow people aged 1418 to access it. However, in some countries, such as the Netherlands, people can access it from the age of 12 years with parental consent.

In some other European countries, access depends on the maturity of the person who would like to receive the therapy.

In the U.S., most people can access estrogen hormone therapy at the age of 18 years, when they are capable of consent. At 17 years old, a person may have access, but they will require a parent or guardian to accompany them to appointments. At the age of 16 years or younger, additional paperwork is necessary to access such therapy.

People using estrogen and anti-androgens as part of their hormone treatment may notice:

• drier and thinner skin with smaller pores
• changes in the odors of sweat and urine
• a reduction in sweat production
• the development of breast buds beneath the nipples that will develop into breasts as treatment progresses
• a more feminine facial appearance
• an increase in fat around the hips and thighs
• a loss of muscle mass in the arms and legs
• a reduction in strength

Research also indicates that cross-sex hormone treatment changes the structure of the brain to bring trans people closer to their identified gender.

These changes could potentially affect a persons verbal and spatial abilities and the way they interact with others.

Questions And Answers About Estrogen Pills For Men:

Will taking estrogen change my voice?

No, to alter your voice you need surgery and voice lessons.

Will male to female hormones change my body structure?

Unfortunately no, your body will not decrease in size. Are there any Clinical Trials for the effects of estrogen on the male body?

Are there any Clinical Trials for the effects of estrogen on the male body?

Yes, there is a clinical trial currently open at the Mayo Clinic. Here is a link to the trial. A Study to Evaluate The Effect of Transgender Hormone Therapy on Adipose Tissue Biology and Distribution https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20454329

Progesterones activate the androgen receptors slightly, so may be used to improve libido and mood. in some cases, it may be indicated to maximize breast growth, though this is likely happening via weight gain. Of note, some studies show a possible increased risk for VTE, cardiovascular disease and/or breast cancer with use.

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What Causes Gender Identity Disorder

The underlying cause for gender identity disorder is unknown. In animals, it is known that there are critical periods of time during pregnancy where alterations in the amount of oestrogen and testosterone in the developing animal can permanently alter masculine or feminine behaviour. However, more research is needed to find out if a similar mechanism could be operating in gender identity disorder.

Creating Your Hormone Therapy Plan

Well need to look at several factors, including:

• Your goals how much you hope to change
• Your age and medical history

A blood test happens first. This will give us a baseline to compare against after you start hormones.

Analyzing your blood also helps us see if taking hormones could cause side effects. And well continue to monitor your blood levels during therapy to make sure youre OK.

We usually get lab results back in a couple of days. If we dont see any issues, usually then your transgender hormone therapy can start.

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Problems Getting An Erection

Hormone therapy lowers the amount of testosterone in the body and this affects your ability to have and maintain an erection. This may get better within 3 to 12 months after the treatment ends.

For some men, erection problems are permanent. It depends on the drug you are having and how long you have been taking it.

Your doctor or clinical nurse specialist will be able to offer you advice.

• Read about hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Estrogen Treatment: Topical Creams Gels And Sprays

• What are they? Estrogen gels , creams , and sprays offer another way of getting estrogen into your system. As with patches, this type of estrogen treatment is absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream. The specifics on how to apply these creams vary, although theyre usually used once a day. Estrogel is applied on one arm, from the wrist to the shoulder. Estrasorb is applied to the legs. Evamist is applied to the arm.
• Pros. Because estrogen creams are absorbed through the skin and go directly into the bloodstream, theyre safer than oral estrogen for people who have liver and cholesterol problems.
• Cons. Estrogen gels, creams, and sprays have not been well-studied. While they could be safer than oral estrogen, experts arent sure. So assume that they pose the same slight risk of serious conditions, like cancer and stroke.One potential problem with using this type of estrogen treatment is that the gel, cream or spray can rub or wash off before its been fully absorbed. Make sure you let the topical dry before you put on clothes. Always apply it after you bathe or shower.

Because the estrogen is absorbed right through the skin, dont let other people in your family touch these creams or gels. If they do, they could get dosed with estrogen themselves. For the same reason, make sure your hands are clean and dry after applying the medication.

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What Are Common Side Effects Of Testosterone Pills

Using OTC testosterone pills regularly can cause your body to build a tolerance to these substances. Over time, your body may stop producing testosterone on its own and come to rely on OTC supplementation. Testosterone boosters may also permanently lower your sperm count, causing major problems with infertility.

Other side effects of OTC testosterone pills may include:

• Shrunken testicles
• Male pattern balding and hair loss
• Development of male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia
• Increased risk for prostate cancer
• Increased risk for blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Liver damage and failure

If you are experiencing any of the above testosterone supplements side effects after using testosterone booster pills, you may want to ask your doctor about safe alternatives.

Problematic Aspects In Relation To Sex Reassignment Treatment

It appears obvious that maintenance of steroid hormone levels in the physiological range of the desired sex should be achieved in individuals with GD prior and post-SRS . The Endocrine Society recommends monitoring patients every 3 months during the first year of therapy and once or twice yearly thereafter . For CHT to be well tolerated, it is necessary to perform the hormonal administration in a highly individualized scheme in terms of timing, doses and modes of administration . Treatment can be considered successful if it relieves distress or facilitates substantial improvement in function and well-being of the patient .

The hormonal therapy in MtF subjects lasts 6.0 years on average . Based on expert opinion, however, patients tend to follow their self-controlled individual regimes as estrogen- and androgen-formulations are easily available via the Internet, over the counter, without prescription in certain settings, and through veterinary supply . However, subjects should be strongly discouraged from inducing supra-physiological hormone levels due to serious side effects . According to Leinung et al. , 9.8% of male-to-female transsexuals started hormonal therapy without prescriptions from a physician and nearly all admitted of initiating hormonal therapy without medical supervision . This is surprising as one of the three inclusion criteria of the WPATH for GD therapy is the ability to take hormones in a responsible manner .

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