Hormonal, Medical, and Nonsurgical Aspects of Gender Affirmation

The 2019 document outlines the health care needs of transgender individuals, including the disparities they face and the importance of gender-affirming treatments. It emphasizes the need for respectful communication and inclusive practices in clinical settings, as well as the necessity of hormone therapy for many with gender dysphoria. The document details hormonal regimens for feminizing and masculinizing therapy, the importance of monitoring hormone levels and potential adverse effects, and provides guidelines for hormone therapy, including the management of risks such as venous thromboembolism. A cohort study cited found an increased risk of VTE and ischemic stroke in transgender women using hormones, with 148 events out of 2,842 participants over eight years. The document also discusses the long-term effects of hormone therapy on cardiovascular health, bone density, and body composition, and references a study on the adverse effects of finasteride, a medication for androgenetic alopecia. It includes guidelines for transgender care and the safety and effectiveness of cross-sex hormone therapy.