Feeling like you’re trapped inside the wrong body can be discouraging, frustrating, and even traumatic. Patients with gender dysphoria often experience extreme anxiety and depression as a result of feeling like their true gender identity does not match their physical body. For transgender men and women, gender-affirming hormone therapy can provide a life-changing opportunity to begin transitioning the body to their desired gender. At Boston Direct Health, board-certified family physician Dr. Steven Zivich understands the complex nature of gender dysphoria and is proud to help LGBTQ+ patients in the greater Boston, MA area feel more comfortable in their own skin with gender-affirming hormone therapy. Use the helpful information below to gain a better understanding of if gender-affirming hormone therapy may be right for you and what things to consider before starting treatment.
What is gender-affirming hormone therapy?
Also known as feminizing or masculinizing hormone therapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy (GHT) is a treatment used to alter a patient’s hormones to more closely match their gender identity rather than their current or assigned gender. Not only can gender-affirming therapy change a patient’s physical appearance, but it can also help relieve the emotional distress associated with gender dysphoria. Some of the most exciting changes that can be made with gender-affirming hormone therapy include:
- More natural hair growth pattern
- Less facial hair (feminizing)
- Higher-pitched voice (feminizing)
- More natural-looking bone structure
- Enhanced sexual sensation
- Fuller breasts (feminizing)
- Change in body fat distribution
Is gender-affirming hormone therapy right for me?
Undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy is an extremely personal decision, though it is important to seek the evaluation and support of your trusted loved ones, friends, and healthcare providers. Generally speaking, patients are encouraged to defer gender-affirming therapy until they have fully come out and have already begun living life as their “new” gender. It is also important that patients are emotionally mature enough to understand how gender-affirming hormone therapy will affect their appearance, future fertility status, relationships, and life overall, with psychological counseling being strongly recommended prior to hormone therapy. During your initial consultation for gender-affirming hormone therapy in the Boston/Back Bay/Cambridge/Somerville area, Dr. Zivich will take as much time as necessary to discuss your concerns, goals, history, and other aspects of your life. A physical examination may be performed, and blood work may be drawn as well. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Zivich can help determine if you may be ready to begin gender-affirming hormone therapy.
How young can you start gender-affirming hormone therapy?
In most cases, gender-affirming hormone therapy can be safely and appropriately started around age 16. However, every patient’s situation is unique, and Dr. Zivich will thoroughly evaluate each patient’s physical development, emotional maturity, and other factors before prescribing treatment. When gender-affirming hormone therapy is properly administered and monitored over time, the results can be truly life-changing and allow patients to finally live as their true selves.
With gender-affirming hormone therapy in Boston, MA, you can finally live the life you were meant to all along
Don’t spend another day stuck inside a body that doesn’t feel like your own. If you are ready for your physical appearance to match your true gender identity, we can help. To learn more about the benefits of gender-affirming hormone therapy in Boston, MA, call Boston Direct Health to schedule your private consultation with board-certified physician Dr. Steven Zivich today.
