Starting HRT with Other Health Conditions: What You Need to Know

Starting HRT with Other Health Conditions: What You Need to Know

If you're thinking about starting hormone therapy for your transition, you've probably wondered how it might mix with other health issues. Don’t worry; GenderGP’s got your back. We've built in algorithms to flag any health conditions that could make certain hormones or blockers risky. The goal? To make sure you can start HRT in a way that’s safe and works best for you.

How Does GenderGP Check for Health Conditions?

The questions in the GenderGP app are designed to zero in on conditions that might impact your HRT journey. But here’s the thing—limitations are super rare. The idea is simple: think about it like this, "If I already had this condition, would my doctor tell me to stop my own hormones?" If the answer’s no, then HRT is usually safe.

Take breast cancer, for example. Cis women who get breast cancer are told to stop their body’s oestrogen production, so trans women with a history of breast cancer are also advised not to take oestrogen. Makes sense, right? Or, think about blood clots: cis women with blood clots may need blood thinners but don’t have to turn off their body’s hormones. Same thing applies to trans women on blood thinners—you can take oestrogen and have the same risk as a cis woman.

What If I Have a Condition That’s Not Listed?

Good question! Bodies are unique, so it’s hard to say exactly how HRT will interact with every single medical condition. Hormones, like any med, can affect people in totally different ways, and you won’t really know how HRT will impact you until you try.

Think of it this way: gender-affirming care just shifts your hormone profile from what’s typical for your assigned gender at birth to what aligns with your gender identity. There are cis guys and girls with almost every medical condition under the sun, and they’re living just fine with their body’s natural hormones. So, it’s more about how HRT might affect your condition, and you won’t fully know until you go for it.

GenderGP’s Approach: Prioritising Safety

GenderGP’s screening is all about spotting those rare cases where HRT might be a real risk. If a cis person with your health history wouldn’t need to mess with their hormones, chances are good you’re fine to start HRT too. But if you have specific worries, talking it through with a doctor can help set your mind at ease.

For many, starting HRT is a major step in living as their true selves. Keeping these health details in mind can make the experience safer and smoother. GenderGP’s here to make sure you have access to affirming, supportive care that works for you.



    • Related Articles

    • I have other health problems. Does this mean I can’t have hormone treatment?

      A history of liver, heart, or blood clotting problems (in you or your family) doesn't preclude you from accessing hormones. It does, however, mean that your case may require additional monitoring. For more information about your particular health ...
    • How do I know if puberty has started?

      You can check for the signs of puberty by seeing if your pubic hair has started to grow, if your breasts have started to develop, or if your testicles and penis have started to grow. If you have started to develop, please let us know. You only need ...
    • What should I do if I don’t know which medication to choose?

      If you're filling out the gender-affirming care application and aren't sure which medication to choose, you need to book an appointment to speak to a doctor. We work on an informed consent model, which means we need to know that you're confident in ...
    • What blood tests will I need to have?

      If you're over 40, you should have a general health check periodically anyway, just to make sure things like your cholesterol and blood count are okay (but this is for everyone, not just because you are going through hormone therapy). The specific ...
    • Why do I need to have my blood tested?

      Regular blood testing enables us to monitor your hormone levels to ensure you are within the required range for the gender with which you identify. Also, taking certain medications puts you at risk for certain health complications. For example: If ...