Pros and Cons: What to keep in mind when considering HRT

HRT and You: A blog series by Arrive Therapy

Benefits of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) include:

1. Improvement in Psychological and Social Well-being: GAHT can improve psychological and emotional well-being, reduce gender dysphoria-related distress, and enhance satisfaction with one's body and gender identity. 3,5
   

2. Physical Alignment with Gender Identity: For individuals seeking a more aligned physical appearance, GAHT helps develop secondary sex characteristics that are consistent with their gender identity. This can include the development of breasts, softer skin, wider hips (feminizing therapy), or a deeper voice, increased body and facial hair (masculinizing therapy). 1,2,3

3. Enhanced Quality of Life: GAHT has been associated with an improved quality of life and self-esteem in transgender individuals. 5

4. Reduction in Gender Dysphoria-Related Distress: GAHT can alleviate the psychological and emotional distress associated with gender dysphoria, leading to an overall improvement in mental well-being. 5

5. Personalized Care: GAHT is prescribed according to individual goals and needs, following the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care, and can be tailored to help individuals achieve their desired physical characteristics. 1

Potential risks and side effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) may include:

1. Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risks: 

1. Hormone therapy can increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, blood clots, and stroke. 5,6,7

2. It may also impact metabolic health, leading to changes in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and an increased risk of diabetes. 6,7

2. Fertility and Reproductive Health: 

1. GAHT can affect fertility, potentially leading to reduced or loss of fertility over time. 6,8

2. It may also impact reproductive health, such as changes in menstrual cycles and sperm production. 5,8

3. Mental and Emotional Health: 

1. While GAHT often results in improved mood, some individuals may experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression as a result of the hormonal changes. 8

4. Other Potential Side Effects: 

1. Weight gain, acne, reduced libido, and changes in body fat distribution are also possible side effects of GAHT. 5,6,8

The long-term effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) have been the subject of various studies. A systematic review published in Nature Human Behaviour in 2023 highlighted the following findings:

• GAHT was consistently found to reduce depressive symptoms and psychological distress among transgender individuals. 11

• Evidence for changes in quality of life and affect was inconsistent, but tended to point in the direction of improvements. 11

• Some evidence suggested affective changes differing for those on masculinizing versus feminizing hormone therapy, with potential reduction in general anxiety among those on masculinizing hormone therapy. 11

• Additionally, GAHT can have various physical effects, such as the development of secondary sex characteristics consistent with the individual's gender identity. These effects are unique to each person and may include changes in body fat distribution, muscle mass, and reproductive function. 12,13,14

References: 

1. https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/adult-gender-medicine/gender-affirming-hormone-therapy

2. https://www.templehealth.org/services/treatments/gender-affirming-hormones

3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/feminizing-hormone-therapy/about/pac-20385096

4. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/article/information-estrogen-hormone-therapy

5. https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/adult-gender-medicine/gender-affirming-hormone-therapy

6. https://www.alto.com/blog/post/transgender-hormone-therapy-side-effects

7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8907681/

8. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/article/information-estrogen-hormone-therapy

9. https://www.templehealth.org/services/treatments/gender-affirming-hormones

10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6354936/

11. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01605-w

12. https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/adult-gender-medicine/gender-affirming-hormone-therapy

13. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/article/information-estrogen-hormone-therapy

14. https://www.templehealth.org/services/treatments/gender-affirming-hormones

15. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/treatment/

Arrive Therapy can help you with your mental health in regards to your gender.

Visit our Gender Therapy page to find out more.

PLEASE NOTE: Arrive Therapy and its staff are not medical doctors. Hormone therapy should be undertaken under medical supervision, as it can have various effects and risks, including potential impact on weight, acne, mood changes, and increased risks of serious medical conditions such as heart disease, blood clots, and diabetes.