Hormone Replacement Therapy in Atlanta

Informed Consent HRT in Atlanta

Erin Everett, NP-C, AAHIVS, is one of the few practices in Atlanta to offer Informed Consent HRT for transgender patients.

Informed Consent is a legal document that is used to outline a patient’s understanding and agreement to receive a hormone replacement therapy.  To learn more about the Informed Consent HRT process, please visit my blog article on the subject.

Transgender FTM & MTF HRT

If you’re interested in hormone replacement therapy in Atlanta, you are in good hands. Transitioning is the single-most important decision an individual can make. While transgender hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a safe treatment that comes with minimal risks and undesirable side-effects, it’s important to start HRT with a specialist who can help design your program, all the while providing support and advice.

Whether you’re making the transition from male-to-female or female-to-male, as a transgender individual, you need to consider the quality of your overall health care. Unfortunately most general physicians and healthcare providers are not properly equipped to care for transgender patients. In turn, you can benefit from having a supportive and experienced specialist by your side as you begin a new chapter in your life.

Erin Everett, NP-C, AAHIVS, is a provider of healthcare for transgender patients in Atlanta who offers hormone replacement therapy for both transgender men and women. Erin is committed to providing a safe, nondiscriminatory space for everyone to receive the highest quality healthcare – especially those within Atlanta’s LGBTQ community. For more information about transgender hormone replacement therapy in Atlanta, contact Erin to learn more.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Transgender Females

Male to Female (MTF HRT)

The impact of male to female hormone replacement therapy varies from person to person. However, male to female (MTF) HRT for transgender females will almost always yield the same consistent responses by introducing feminizing hormones. HRT MTF is a long term process that typically requires 2 years before transgender women experience the dramatic transformation they desire. However, most MTF patients will see and feel noticeable changes within the first few months of HRT.

In essence, MTF HRT increases your estrogen levels while lowering your testosterone levels. You may be given a hormone known as anti-androgen which reduces testosterone to a level that is normal for a woman. In just a matter of months, MTF HRT will result in desirable responses, such as reduced body hair, softer skin, genital changes, and redistribution of fat and muscle mass. MTF HRT can also help in developing greater breast size, however the effects of MTF HRT rarely lead to breast development exceeding a size B cup. Another factor that male to female transgender patients often ask about is voice. Unfortunately, feminizing hormones do not change the tone of your voice. This typically requires other interventions, such as voice feminization training, or in some cases, patients may choose to pursue surgery.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Transgender Males

Female to Male (FTM HRT)

Female to male hormone replacement therapy, also generalized as masculinizing hormone therapy or testosterone therapy, has been proven to be both safe and highly effective. However, the rapidity and extent of biological change when undergoing female to male (FTM) HRT will often vary depending on how therapy is administered (i.e. skin patches, gels, injections, etc.) This is why working with an experienced transgender care specialist can have its advantages.

In its every essence, FTM HRT increases levels of testosterone while gradually reducing levels of estrogen. Although it can take over a year to see transformative changes that most transgender men desire, the first three months of starting testosterone therapy can yield many exciting changes. As testosterone levels increase, transgender males will experience profound physical changes. Menstruation typically stops within the first 2 months but may take longer for some. Facial and chest hair will typically begin to grow during the initial months of FTM HRT, and upper body strength and overall muscle mass will start to increase. Clitoral enlargement occurs along with an increased libido. Some patients are satisfied with the clitoral enlargement, while others seek later gender affirming surgeries.  At around three months, the voice begins to deepen.

Undergo HRT in Atlanta with an Experienced Transgender Care Provider

Over the past few years alone, there have been a number of compelling studies that support the safety and efficacy of hormone replacement therapy. In turn, it has become a common form of treatment in the provision of transgender care.

For transgender patients who seek hormone replacement therapy, initiating and monitoring treatment requires a mindful approach in developing a successful program. This why working with an experienced and proficient primary care provider can work to a patient’s benefit. From the knowledge and experience that goes into a hormone therapy program to providing an autonomous environment that encourages open communication and understanding, transgender patients should feel as though they can fully trust their healthcare provider.

Erin Everett, NP-C, AAHIVS, is committed to the LGBTQ community, providing a relaxed, supportive, non-judgmental environment where patients can address their health. If you would like to learn more about transgender hormone replacement therapy in Atlanta, such as the cost of HRT or information regarding any of the other primary care services available, visit the contact page.