What You Need to Know About 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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