Although HT is often associated with menopause and gender affirming care, it’s also used to treat or manage the symptoms of low testosterone, gynecological disorders, infertility, and certain cancers.
HT, formerly known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), involves supplementing or regulating hormone levels to address specific health concerns.
The term “HRT” is often considered outdated and has largely been replaced with “HT” to reflect its broader applications. It’s also called endocrine therapy.
MHT typically involves a combination of synthetic or bioidentical estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen-only therapy can alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Combination therapy helps reduce the risk of endometrial cancer and osteoporosis.
However, blood clots and other complications are possible. Before starting treatment, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with your individual medical history with a healthcare professional.
GAHT can help align your external appearance with your internal sense of self. It’s typically part of a holistic gender affirming care plan.
Depending on your goals, GAHT may include:
- Estrogen and anti-androgens: This combination can help reduce facial hair growth, redistribute body fat, and promote breast development.
- Testosterone: Testosterone therapy can help deepen your voice, increase muscle mass, and stimulate facial and body hair growth.
Research shows that GAHT can improve mental health and quality of life in people who are transgender. Learn more about how GAHT can affect your body.
Testosterone therapy is a common treatment for hypogonadism, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough of certain sex hormones.
Symptoms of low testosterone include:
- reduced libido
- fatigue
- decreased muscle and bone mass
- increased body fat
- mood changes
In people with male hypogonadism, testosterone therapy may help improve energy levels, bone density, and mood, but it’s essential to monitor for potential side effects like increased red blood cell counts or changes in cholesterol.
HT is often used to manage symptoms of gynecologic conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.
For people with PCOS, combination birth control can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce excess androgen levels, and manage acne or excess hair growth. Progestin-only IUDs may also improve symptoms.
For people with endometriosis, progestins, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and GnRH antagonists can help reduce the growth of endometrial tissue and manage pain.
Treatment plans vary based on symptoms and individual health goals, such as preserving fertility.
HT can support people who are trying to conceive by addressing hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation or sperm production.
It’s often part of a broader treatment plan designed by a reproductive endocrinologist.
If you’re trying in vitro fertilization (IVF) or donating eggs, you’ll have to take certain hormonal treatments during the process. Examples include:
A healthcare professional may recommend HT
Cancer-related HT is typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
HT has diverse applications, from managing menopause symptoms and supporting gender affirmation to treating certain conditions and boosting fertility.
If you’re considering HT, make an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns. Together, you can create a treatment plan that works for you.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.