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Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

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. 


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What Is Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT)?

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:

  • Your gender journey.
  • Your physical goals.
  • Your sexual practices.
  • Your fertility goals.
  • Family planning.

What does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) help with?

HRT changes physical traits in your body to better match your gender identity. The specific traits that change depend on the hormone used.

Who can benefit from hormone therapy?

People over age 19 who may benefit from discussing, starting, or continuing GAHT include:

  • Those with gender dysphoria.
  • Those experiencing gender noncongruence.
  • Transgender men.
  • Transgender women.
  • Nonbinary people.
  • Transfeminine and transmasculine people.
  • Those with a fluid gender.
  • Others under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.

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:

  • The risks and benefits of hormone therapy.
  • The types of GAHT treatments and the effects of each type.
  • How hormone therapy can change the gendered physical traits.
  • Any tests you need before starting treatment.

How to Get Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

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:

  • Get a hormone expert's opinion.
  • Learn about their GAHT options more thoroughly.

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.

Why Choose UPMC for Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatments?

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.

Plan a Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Visit at UPMC

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.

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