Hormones

Hormones are produced by the endocrine system, which is made up of glands that release chemical hormones into the bloodstream.  Among other functions, hormones control sex characteristics, like breast development, facial hair, and reproductive systems.  Both males and females produce these hormones, but biologically, females produce more estrogen while males produce more testosterone.  Transgender people use hormones during their transition to their desired sex or gender.  Hormones allow transgender people to look like the other sex and to feel more comfortable.  Hormones improve transgendered peoples' functioning and limit the potential for depression and anxiety. Tobacco increases a person's risk for disease and complications.  A general medical checkup is necessary before treatment, as well as a review of patient and family health history. Transgender people wishing to proceed with hormone therapy (or surgery) must follow the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria's Standards of Care. Male to Female Changes Males transitioning to females (MTF) experience these permanent effects of estrogen:       · Breast development (full development takes several years)       · Loss of ejaculation       · Loss of erection       · Shrinkage of testicles       · Sterility Temporary changes (reversible after hormone therapy is stopped):       · Decrease in acne       · Decrease in facial and body hair       · Decrease in muscle mass and strength       · Skin becomes softer and smoother       · Slowing of balding pattern       · Redistribution of fat from abdominal area to hips and buttocks Risks associated with MTF estrogen therapy:      · Benign pituitary tumors      · Gallbladder disease      · Hypertension (high blood pressure)      · Hypothyroidism      · Liver disease      · Migraine headache      · Tendency for blood to clot, causing related conditions:              o Aneurysm              o Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)              o Pulmonary embolism (can be fatal)           · Weight gain      · Worsening of depression (if present); increased sensitivity to stress More on MTF hormone therapy Female to Male Changes Females transitioning to males (FTM) may experience these permanent effects of testosterone:      · Atrophy of the uterus and ovaries      · Baldness; hair loss, especially at temples and crown of head      · Beard and mustache growth      · Deepening of the voice      · Enlargement of the clitoris      · Increased growth of body hair      · Sterility Temporary changes (reversible after hormone therapy is stopped):      · Behavioral developments associated with testosterone production during male puberty:           o Aggression           o Increased libido      · Development of acne, similar to male puberty      · Increased muscle mass and strength      · Increase in number of red blood cells      · Redistribution of fat from breasts, hips, and thighs to abdominal area Risks associated with FTM testosterone therapy:      · Breast cancer      · Cancer of endometrium      · Diabetes      · High cholesterol      · Hypertension      · Liver disease More on FTM hormone therapy Taken from http://www.gayhealthchannel.com on December 23, 2002

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