When exploring where you are on the gender spectrum, you may be considering the role of hormones or surgeries as part of your journey. Our providers can talk with you about your treatment options for affirming your gender as part of a wide range of gender-affirming care available at UPMC.
Some people may turn to medical or surgical techniques to help them feel more comfortable in their bodies.
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is the use of medications to help you achieve body changes that better align with your gender. Gender-affirming hormone therapy can also be referred to as transgender hormone therapy or gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
If you're thinking about gender-affirming hormone therapy, our endocrinologists are here to help. UPMC offers gender-affirming hormone therapy to individuals over the age of 19.
GAHT, sometimes called transgender or gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy, may include hormones or hormone blockers.
These drugs help transgender, gender noncongruent, and nonbinary people change physical traits to align better with their gender identity. You can affirm your gender without any medical intervention or with medication and/or surgery. Your journey is unique, and we are happy to help you explore your options.
UPMC follows the World Professional Association for Transgender Health standards of care.
Our doctors ask about your life and goals to best meet your needs. These may include questions about:
HRT changes physical traits in your body to better match your gender identity. The specific traits that change depend on the hormone used.
People over age 19 who may benefit from discussing, starting, or continuing GAHT include:
You don't have to be sure you want to start GAHT to talk to our doctors.
To help you decide if hormone therapy is right for you, our doctors can explain:
People over the age of 19 with a PCP and controlled health issues may be able to start GAHT as early as their first visit. If you've had a recent physical exam with your PCP, this visit can be in person or virtual.
PCPs can prescribe GAHT, but some may not feel comfortable without expert guidance. In that case, they can refer you to UPMC endocrinology.
Some people may see an endocrinologist once or twice, rather than for long-term care, if they want to:
Others may stay in endocrine care in parallel with their PCP, with fewer appointments over time.
UPMC's experts can talk about your options and answer all of your questions.
UPMC offers comprehensive care and counseling for adults seeking gender-affirming care.
If you already receive care from other UPMC providers, the UPMC GAHT team will work with them.
We want you to feel happy and healthy when it comes to your gender.
You can see UPMC's GAHT experts in person or by video. Plan a visit online.
Contact us to learn more about our full range of gender-affirming care.
Call 412-586-9700 or find an endocrinology location near you.
