What Is Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy and How Does It Work?

At a Glance

Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) is a medically supervised treatment that uses hormones to help align physical characteristics with an individual’s gender identity. Treatment plans are tailored to personal goals and health needs, with ongoing monitoring to support safety and effectiveness. For many transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people, GAHT can reduce gender dysphoria, support emotional well-being and improve overall quality of life.

Trusted by 2000+ UK subscribers, begin your gender affirming care with Eden New Life. Book a free introductory chat today.

GAHT Meaning

Many transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people may wish to feel more comfortable and confident in their own body. This feeling is integral to their gender identity and is important for their overall well-being.

To achieve this, many may turn to hormones to affirm their gender. Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) is one of the most common medical treatments that can help align physical characteristics with an individual’s gender identity.

GAHT works best when guided by experienced healthcare professionals, with the journey personalised to each individual’s goals, health priorities and transition.

Whether you’re seeking information on what gender affirming hormone therapy is and the options available or trying to understand how it works while supporting a loved one, read our guide to understand and make informed decisions.

What Is Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT)?

Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy, or GAHT, is a medical treatment that uses hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone to help individuals achieve physical characteristics that are closer to their gender identity.

GAHT is commonly used by transgender and gender-diverse people as part of their gender affirming journey. However, not all transgender people choose or need this therapy. Some choose surgery over therapy, while some choose social transition alone.

There is no single “right” way to transition.

GAHT can help in:

• Promoting physical changes that reflect a person’s affirmed gender

• Help alleviate gender dysphoria for many individuals

• Reduce characteristics associated with the sex assigned at birth

• Support emotional well-being and improve quality of life

The Endocrine Society and World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) recognise hormone therapy as an evidence-based part of gender-affirming care when it’s in line with an individual’s goals and follows informed consent.

How Does GAHT Work?

Gender affirming hormone therapy uses hormones, which are chemical messengers that influence the body. Hormones affect your body’s muscle mass, fat distribution, skin texture, body hair growth, voice and reproductive functions.

GAHT works by adjusting hormone levels that can develop characteristics associated with an individual’s affirmed gender. At the same time, it can reduce the influence of hormones associated with the gender assigned at birth.

The GAHT process typically starts with:

• A comprehensive health assessment

• Discussing goals and expectations

• Reviewing medical history and any existing health conditions

• Baseline blood tests

• Ongoing monitoring throughout treatment

• Follow-up appointments to keep hormone levels within safe limits

Gender affirming hormones may be prescribed in various forms, including gels, patches, tablets, and injections. 

Types of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy

Of the various gender affirming hormone therapy options available, the one prescribed depends on an individual’s identity, transition goals and medical conditions.

Feminising Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy

Feminising GAHT is used by transgender women and some transfeminine non-binary individuals. Treatment typically uses the estrogen hormone along with medication that reduces testosterone levels.

The potential effects of feminising gender affirming hormone therapy can include breast development, softer skin, decreased growth of body and facial hair and reduced spontaneous erections.

Masculinising Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy

Transgender men and some transmasculine non-binary individuals often seek masculinising GAHT. Therapy includes using testosterone.

The potential effects of masculinising gender affirming hormone therapy can include cessation of menstrual periods, deepening voice, increased facial and body hair and increased muscle mass and strength.

Non-Binary Hormone Therapy

Some non-binary individuals seek customised gender affirming hormone therapy options to achieve specific changes without seeking a conventional masculine or feminine appearance. This therapy usually includes highly personalised treatment plans.

What Physical and Emotional Changes Can You Expect?

“How quickly will I notice changes?” is a common question that people have about GAHT.

Hormones work gradually, with changes taking effect over months and years. The actual time also depends on an individual’s age, genetics, hormone dosage and overall health.

Physical Effects of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy

Depending on the type of GAHT, changes may be seen in muscle mass, body fat distribution, facial and body hair, skin texture, voice, sexual function and fertility.

Some changes may be partially reversible, while others are permanent. Speak to your healthcare provider to understand these changes before treatment begins.

Emotional & Mental Effects of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy

Many people have reported positive emotional changes after starting GAHT, including feeling more comfortable in their bodies, improved confidence, better overall quality of life and reduced gender dysphoria.

Is Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Safe?

When hormones are prescribed and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals, by and large, Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy is considered a safe and effective approach for many transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals.

As mentioned earlier, professional organisations such as WPATH and the Endocrine Society support its use in accordance with established clinical guidelines.

But like any medical interventional approach, hormone therapy carries potential risks and side effects that individuals should be aware of before starting treatment.

It’s also important to consider the health effects of gender affirming hormone therapy. It may affect blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular health, bone health, fertility, and liver function. This is why regular blood testing and ongoing clinical monitoring are critical to GAHT success.

You may also want to consider fertility preservation options if having biological children is something you want in the future.

Starting Your Hormone Therapy Journey with Eden New Life

Embarking on the path of gender affirmation with GAHT is a deeply personal choice, and beginning your journey with the right support can make a world of difference.

At Eden New Life, we understand this and the uniqueness of every individual’s journey.

This is why we’ve designed our approach to be compassionate, empathetic and patient-centric, focused on delivering evidence-based gender-affirming care options.

You can expect our experienced team to guide you through your journey, whether you’re just exploring various gender affirming therapy options or ready to begin treatment.

We offer structured and comprehensive gender care plans that cover:

• Initial consultations

• Access to private blood tests

• Private e-prescriptions

• Injection training sessions (if required)

• 12-week review sessions

• Complimentary group support sessions

• Access to Pay as You Go services (PAYG), including gender marker change letters, surgery referral, counselling and gender recognition certificate reports.

With Eden, you can find everything you need to make your gender transition journey one that respects your identity and is in line with your goals and supports your overall well-being.

To learn more about our gender affirming care services, chat with us today.