Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy. Hormones may be prescribed to make the body more feminine or more masculine. Because the effects of hormone therapy may be permanent, it is important to discuss options and desired effects with a health care provider.

Hormone therapy may include:

Feminizing medications. Estradiol and Progestin preparations

Anti-androgen medications. Spironolactone, Finasteride and Minoxidil

Masculinizing Medications. Testosterone preparations

Hormone therapy plan and ongoing care

Care planning includes an examination and treatment planning by a team consisting of an advanced practice nurse and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

Initial visit. Examination and lab work plus discussion of treatment goals and expectations, side effects, and risks of therapy with an advanced practice nurse and clinical social worker.

Second visit. Review of lab results, and prescription for hormone therapy.

Ongoing visits. Two to four times per year to monitor health, address goals, review medications and update lab testing as needed.

Already in therapy. Patients can provide a therapy letter in place of meeting with a PPIL LCSW (initial visit). The letter should include the following, as outlined in the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards Of Care

1. The client’s general identifying characteristics;

2. Results of the client’s psychosocial assessment, including any diagnoses;

3. The duration of the referring health professional’s relationship with the client, including the type of evaluation and therapy or counseling to date;

4. An explanation that the criteria for hormone therapy have been met, and a brief description of the clinical rationale for supporting the client’s request for hormone therapy;

5. A statement about the fact that informed consent has been obtained from the patient;

6. A statement that the referring health professional is available for coordination of care and welcomes a phone call to establish this.

Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy is available at all 17 PPIL health centers , call 1-877-200-PPIL to make an appointment today!

Other healthcare services offered at all 17 PPIL health centers:

Well-person screenings and exams

Treatment for infections

Contraception and menstruation management

Abortion services and counseling

Sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment

Licensed clinical social worker services

Community Referrals

Screening for reproductive cancers

PrEP for HIV prevention