What are hormones ?

Hormones are chemical messengers that circulate in the blood and turn on or off functions in the body. For example, some hormones tell our heart to beat faster during a fright, while others control fat storage. Hundreds of hormones are in our body, carrying different messages.

It should be noted that some of the effects of long-term hormone use are irreversible, at least without surgery in some cases. Hormones are therefore not something that can be taken lightly or just to try.

The effects of female hormones

For transgender women, taking the hormone becomes part of their daily routine. Although the amounts may be reduced after reassignment surgery, they still need to take hormones every day and for the rest of their lives to maintain the feminization of their bodies.

It should be noted that some of the effects of long-term hormone use are irreversible, at least without surgery. Hormones are therefore not something that can be taken lightly or just to try.

Hormones also have side effects on life and social relationships. The person must realize this. These changes include the impact in relationships with family members, friends and employers. The use of hormones can be an important factor in discrimination in employment, loss of one's job, divorce in the couple, restriction or loss of visitation rights for children.

Medical approach

Before considering the prescription of hormone treatment, it is imperative to take a complete history of the health of the transgender person. This means tracing the medical history and the history of the complaint, the patient's current pain, as well as the results of the various investigations already made and the treatments undertaken.

The hereditary history as well as the personal history of the person will be analyzed as well as the state of his current health. Particular attention will also be paid to his psychological situation, i.e. the importance of dysphoria and its psychological, clinical and behavioral consequences.

As a reminder, gender dysphoria is characterized by a strong and permanent identification with the other gender associated with anxiety, depression, irritability and, often, a desire to live as a gender different from the assigned sex. the birth.

All this will require not only a complete somatic examination in order to avoid a thromboembolic risk (an examination of the venous system) as well as a complete biological assessment of his metabolism and his cisgender endocrine system.

The calculation of the body mass index (known as Quételet) will be necessary because it is common, in transgender people, for chronic suffering due to dysphoria to cause a significant nutritional disorder.

A medical assessment of the person's mental health will also be necessary to determine the importance of the relationship between the intensity of the dysphoria and the severity of the behavioral disorders and psychological disorders. These disorders are characterized by depression (poor self-esteem), self-mutilation, suicidal impulses, addictions (drugs, alcohol, etc.), dietary imbalances (impulses).

Warning

Hormonal therapy in MtF transgender people increases the level of estrogen and lowers the amount of testosterone to an amount close to what every woman has. This causes internal and also visible changes in the body. But do not believe in miracles, the younger the hormones are taken, the more effects they have on the body.

After 35 years the result is random and after 50 years it is almost zero !

The risks associated with feminizing hormone therapy

Although hormone therapy has been practiced for a long time, the long-term effects in the transgender community are not yet well known. There are, however, known side effects which should be monitored.

In trans women, hormones can cause :

1. An increased risk of blood clotting (TIA or CVA)

2. The appearance of stones in the gallbladder.

3. An increase in liver enzymes

4. Weight gain

5. An increase in cholesterol.

6. Risk of heart problems, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

To minimize all these risks, it is essential to :

1. Take hormones in prescribed doses

2. Avoid taking non-prescribed drugs or ordering on the Internet.

3. Regular medical follow-up

4. Take blood samples as prescribed by the endocrinologist

5. Never compare your situation with that of another trans person

6. Never modify your initiative treatment to enhance the feminizing effects. It is dangerous and unnecessary !