Medication
From Transsexual Support
Contents |
Disclaimer
We are not medical practitioners, so any and all medical information published on this site is based on anecdotal evidence or other published sources. We cannot give professional medical advice, as we are not qualified to do so.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) causes a number of effects that help to produce the secondary sexual characteristics of the desired gender. Some of the effects of HRT may be permanent, others may end if HRT is stopped.
HRT carries significant health risks, which must be carefully balanced with the actual and perceived benefits of HRT. Liver damage and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are two of the most prominent and life threatening of these risks. Careful monitoring of blood levels and attention to possible warning signs greatly reduce, but not completely eliminate these and other risks associated with HRT.
HRT does not eliminate the permanent changes caused by naturally occurring hormones. These changes start at puberty, and are at least partially overcome by other means. Male-to-female HRT (estrogens and/or anti-androgens) will not typically change the voice, and will not remove facial and other body hair brought about by the presence of androgens. Female-to-male HRT (testosterone) will not remove the breasts.
Policy
\'\'\'Self-medication is a risky process that is neither encouraged, nor condoned. The information offered here is not intended to enable an individual to self-medicate, but rather, as a guide to help understand what to expect from properly monitored treatment, and as a guide to help understand the risks that are present. \'\'\'
While we do not encourage or condone self medication, we do believe strongly in the principles of least-harm and of harm reduction. We recognize that some people may have no other option, or be pressed into believing they have no other option. We hope that the information we present here will help even those individuals to protect themselves as best possible.
Please note, that if you are already self-medicating, you have an \"out\" - it is unethical for a medical provider to refuse to help you obtain properly supervised care when the alternative is for you to continue unsupervised treatments. This is enshrined in the medical principle of \"first do no harm\" and in the medical doctrine of \"least-harm\". It is also a guideline within the widely-followed HBIGDA standards of care.
The Chat rules apply to discussions of HRT in all channels on the tssupport servers. Please respect these rules, and understand where they are coming from. It\'s unethical to give advice or resources that may cause harm to someone, or make it easier for them to cause harm to themselves. Never help someone to obtain medications without a prescription.
About HRT
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transgender and transsexual people replaces the hormones naturally occurring in their bodies with those of the other sex. Its purpose is to cause the development of the secondary sex characteristics of the desired gender. It can not undo the changes produced by the first natural occurring puberty of transgender people, this is done by sexual reassignment surgery and for transwomen by epilation. Some intersex people also receive HRT, either starting in childhood to confirm the gender they were assigned, or later, if this assignment has proven to be incorrect.
The pages that reference medications are simply there to help you make an educated decision as to what medications you can request from your doctor or general practinioner.
We recognise that there are cases in which people feel that they have absolutely no choice but to self medicate.
But be aware, without good medical supervision, one is at risk. Please read this story before attempting to self medicate.
Remember we are not medical practitioners, all medical information published here is based on anecdotal evidence and must not be take as a replacement for professional medical advice.
Remember hormone replacement therapy is not without risk.
Stay Safe!
