When physical sex and mental gender do not align, we need to try to have our minds responded to. Taking hormones is another option and an important factor that allows us to transition to the desired gender.
Changes after hormone therapy from male to female
- Smaller, higher-pitched voice
- Breasts and wider hips
- Smoother skin
- Reduced hair in various areas
- Smaller penis size and harder to achieve erection (for those who have not undergone surgery)
Changes after hormone therapy from female to male
- Louder, deeper voice
- Facial structure changes
- Acne
- Stronger body odor
- Oiler and rougher skin
- Growth of mustache, beard, and hair in various areas
- More defined muscles (for those who exercise regularly)
The appropriate duration for hormone therapy is to take hormones regularly until the age of 60 or until the doctor decides to stop. Regular here refers to the types of hormone therapy as follows:
- Injection (most popular)
- Short-term Transmen are recommended to inject every 2-4 weeks, while transwomen are recommended to inject every 1 week.
- Long-term Transmen are recommended to inject every 3 months, while transwomen do not yet have a long-acting injectable hormone.
- Topical has a short action of only 24 hours, so it must be applied daily.
- Oral must be taken continuously every day.
Common side effects of hormone therapy for both transmen and transwomen
- Thick or sticky blood
- Blood clots
- High blood lipids
- Thin or porous bones
- Effects on the heart, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidneys, liver, cerebrovascular system, etc.
Did you know? Buying oral hormones by yourself is dangerous!
Buying oral hormones by yourself through internet advertisements or word of mouth on social media may pose health risks if you do not have a medical examination beforehand, use doses higher than necessary, or if some people have other health problems that can worsen when taking hormones. Therefore, seeing a doctor to receive the correct hormones is important for safety and to minimize side effects from hormone use.
Dr. Atiwut Kamutmas
Sexual health specialist
Sexual Health Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
