What You Need to Know About Hormone Replacement Therapy

What to know about gender affirming hormone replacement therapy.

With increased access to information and the growing awareness of transgender and genderfluid people, the need for gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) at safe LGBTQ+-friendly medical clinics is increasing. Community members in Orange County and the surrounding area want and deserve consistent, compassionate care before, during and after transition for their primary care and referrals to knowledgeable, accepting specialists. Radiant Health Centers meets these requirements, and also shares what you need to know about hormone replacement therapy.

What to Know About Gender-Affirming Hormone Replacement Therapy

Gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy is often an effective way for transgender men and women and genderfluid individuals to experience a better quality of life. These treatments help them to present physically and align with their internal gender identity, helping them face the world confidently and with joy.

This therapy can help ease the distress some people feel when their body doesn’t match who they are inside—a feeling called gender dysphoria. One positive impact of hormone therapy for transgender youth is that it can reduce this distress and improve overall well-being. With so much happening in the news and confusing or false information online, it’s important to have clear, trustworthy facts about GAHT for anyone considering this treatment.

Hormone Therapy Is by Prescription

GAHT is a treatment regimen that replaces and/or suppresses hormones, which is implemented and overseen by either a primary care physician or an endocrinologist. It’s important to work with medical professionals for the best outcomes. The ways the hormones are taken depend on which hormones are administered. Testosterone (the male hormone) is available as topical gel, patch or injections. Estrogen (the female hormone) is given as a pill, but can also be administered as a patch or through injections. Testosterone suppressants are pills.

Preventive Care Needs Can Change

Care is important for all organs in the human body. This means that you should see a primary care physician who will do the proper regular screenings even if you are transitioning. For instance, pap smears are still important for those with a cervix. And for those with a prostate gland, regular physicals should be done to check for any abnormalities. Breast and bone density exams need to be done as well. Seeking an LGBTQ+-friendly medical office is vital to receiving the proper holistic healthcare.

Regret Is Extremely Low

Most people who receive GAHT or have gender-affirming surgery are satisfied with their changes. Studies show approximately 1% of people regret GAHT and surgical transitioning. As a comparison, elective plastic surgeries like body contouring have regret rates between 10.82–33.3% and breast augmentation regret is between 5.1–9.1%. It’s also recommended that anyone going through HRT continue counseling throughout the process to help cope with the physical and emotional changes that can occur.

Hormone replacement therapy for gender affirmation has many benefits and can help people live their life to the fullest. High-quality, consistent, accepting care is a major part of the increased positive impact on transgender men and women and genderfluid individuals. This kind of care is available in Irvine.

Trusted LGBTQ+-Friendly Hormone Therapy in Orange County

Residents in Irvine seeking GAHT have found helpful, knowledgeable doctors and medical staff at Radiant Health Clinics for nearly four decades. Whether you need testing, preventive primary or specialized care, our medical, mental health, and social services staff stand ready to meet the needs of all Orange County residents. Request an appointment now or call (949) 809-5700.

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When to See a Healthcare Provider for STI Symptoms

When to seek help for STI symptoms.

It’s the 2020s, and much has changed in how the public discusses topics related to sex and sexual health. Talking about STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing and treatment—formerly known as STDs—is now more common, especially within the conscientious LGBTQ+ community. But this isn’t just an LGBTQ+ issue; it’s something that affects anyone who is sexually active in Orange County and beyond.

With more effective treatments and research available, there is a greater focus on education, prioritizing the health and safety of the broader community as well as individuals. So when something feels out of the ordinary in your body, it’s important to know when to see a healthcare provider for what may be sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms.

When Should You Seek STI Testing for Symptoms?

The various STIs are grouped under three main categories—bacterial, viral and parasitic. Each infection shows up differently in the body based on the type and category, and whether a person has male or female genitalia. To learn more, please review this vital information about STD types, transmission and treatment.

As stated, symptoms can present differently, but if you begin to experience any of the following after a sexual encounter, it’s time to immediately seek STI testing.

  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating
  • New unknown sores, blisters or warts
  • Discolored discharge
  • Fever or flu-like symptoms like body aches and chills
  • Excessive headache pain or itching

These are a few of the symptoms that may present over the days or weeks, even months after an encounter. The sooner you are tested, the faster you can begin treatment if an infection is found. Quick identification and treatment leads to better outcomes. It’s also important to note that people can remain asymptomatic even if an STI is present, meaning it’s able to be passed along to partners.

With this being the case, part of living a healthy life and having a safe sex life is to regularly seek out STD testing services. The consistency of the testing schedule depends on the individual. People with multiple partners who regularly engage in sexual activity may want to be tested quarterly or possibly monthly. Anyone who is sexually active benefits from getting tested at least once annually. Consider doing it alongside your annual wellness check-ups.

You’ll want to choose a judgment-free facility that offers testing and treatment. Some clinics ship at-home kits and have telehealth appointments to address STI symptoms and disease management. When seeking help for HIV, HepC or other STI treatment, the biggest factor to look for is compassionate care in an environment that aims to help you heal and live a thriving life within your community.

Visit Orange County’s Most Trusted STI Treatment Center

If you believe you’ve been exposed and need STD testing, or you are looking for treatment, you can trust the care team at Radiant Health Centers to take care of you with medical, mental and social services. With our 40 years of experience, we’re ready to help you. Call us at (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment online.

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