Regular blood tests are an important part of clinically supervised gender-affirming hormone therapy because they help specialists monitor hormone levels and relevant health markers. Testing is generally more frequent when starting or changing treatment and may become less frequent once HRT is clinically stable. Interpret results alongside medication, test timing, health history and treatment goals.

People may pause or stop gender-affirming hormone therapy for many personal or medical reasons. After stopping, some hormone-related changes may gradually reverse if the body resumes its own sex hormone production, while changes such as voice deepening or breast development may remain. Because effects vary, discuss any treatment changes with a gender specialist.

Gender dysphoria is the distress that can occur when a person's gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. It affects individuals differently and may impact mental well-being, relationships and daily life.