Hormones, Blockers, and Safety FAQs
Can I inject smaller doses of testosterone medications?
It depends on the vial. When using testosterone replacement therapies such as Enanthate, Sustanon, and Nebido, the type of vial they are supplied in can affect how they are administered. Typically, these medications come in two types of vials: glass ...
What should I do if my prescription medication is lost or stolen?
If your prescription medication is lost or stolen, please submit a new Treatment Recommendation request to get a replacement. You may also want to consider filing a police report, especially if the medication is a controlled substance like ...
I'm struggling to swallow my medication capsule. What are some strategies I can use to help?
Some people find it difficult to swallow large medication capsules, and that's completely normal. If you're one of those people, here are some strategies that might help: Drink Water First: Take a few sips of water to moisten your throat before ...
Do I need to stop taking hormones before I have surgery?
There's no evidence that there is any need to stop taking hormone treatment before having surgery. However, if your surgeon stipulates that they'd like you to stop taking hormones ahead of surgery, we recommend you follow their advice. More info: ...
What are the side effects/risks of taking hormones?
The side effects of hormones are the same effects experienced by people who produce this hormone naturally every day. For example: If you're taking testosterone, then you have the risk profile and effects experienced by a person assigned male at ...
Can I use DHT cream specifically for bottom growth?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is available in gel or cream form for topical application. DHT, a synthetic form of testosterone, is often prescribed for hormone deficiencies. It functions by addressing hormone imbalances both locally and systemically. ...
Are cross-sex hormones fully reversible?
No. These hormones have long-lasting and irreversible implications. However, these changes don't occur overnight. Gender-affirming hormones are classed as being partially reversible. No doctor would ever choose to actively prescribe such medication ...
Are puberty blockers reversible?
Yes. Please read our article about how medication to stop puberty is totally reversible.
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 ...
I think my blood test was contaminated by my gel. What do I do?
If you feel that your hormone level in the blood tests is wrong, please arrange to repeat the test to ensure that your dosage is safe and effective. For members and non-members above age 16, you can order a finger-prick blood test through the ...
What if I take drugs? Will that affect my treatment?
We always advise against you taking recreational drugs. However, that would not stop us from being able to recommend gender-affirming medication for you. Read More: Lifestyle and Gender-Affirming Medication: Is It Safe to Start?
What about alcohol? Will that affect my gender-affirming care?
Drinking alcohol to excess is bad for you. However, it isn't a barrier to you having gender-affirming care. Read More: Lifestyle and Gender-Affirming Medication: Is It Safe to Start?
What if I have an eating disorder? Will that affect my care?
It's sad that some trans people use food restrictions to try and mimic the changes associated with their natural puberty. If you have an eating disorder, our advise is to please seek help. Remember, to see the benefits of gender-affirming hormones ...
What if I am overweight or obese or have a high BMI?
The most healthy way you can be is to have a healthy body weight, and this is regardless of whether you take gender-affirming medication or not. That said, some people actually find that their self-esteem improves with gender-affirming care and that ...
What if I smoke? Will that affect my access to gender-affirming care?
Smoking isn’t good for you, we all know that, so our advice is always to stop smoking. However, whether you smoke or not isn't related to your ability to medically transition and have gender-affirming medication. That said, your risk of heart ...
I'm taking other medication. Will that matter?
Taking other medication can interact with your gender-affirming medication. In particular, if you're taking heart tablets or blood pressure tablets, it's probably best to avoid taking spironolactone as your antiandrogen (because that can lower your ...
Is it safe to take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Switching your hormone profile from one to the other is surprisingly safe. If you're switching to an estrogen profile, you'll have the same chance of developing illnesses that someone who was assigned female at birth will have. If you're switching to ...
Does my doctor have to know?
We encourage you to share your gender journey with any healthcare provider whos also looking out for you. It's totally up to you if you wish to do this or not.
How can I take things slowly?
Many people want to take things slowly for whatever reason, and that's absolutely fine. You can start on a small dose of hormones, with or without a blocker. But remember that our bodies do need hormones so if you are blocking your natural hormone ...
How can I go really quickly?
We know that some people have been waiting years for this and want to go super quick. However, your first puberty took years and this one will as well. Keep your hormone levels within the normal cisgender range to give you the best chance of natural ...
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