It is an arduous journey to expand and explore one’s gender identity. It can be extremely terrifying to realise that one does not conform to the sex they were born with. Despite the progress made after the turn of the century, it is still imperative to acknowledge that there is a lot of prejudice that can be difficult to deal with. However, if one has accepted oneself and feels ready to come out as one’s true self, it can be exceptionally gratifying. Some people even opt for gender affirmation surgery. Although transgender surgery costs in India can be hefty, it becomes worth paying the expenses, considering it allows one to be one’s true self.
An important thing to acknowledge here would be the reality that not everyone opts for gender affirmation surgery for a variety of reasons. Some might even go for a detransition procedure later down the line. It is imperative to acknowledge that there is no one way to be true to yourself. There is no need to fit into a box just because it is normalised. One can identify as transgender without opting for a surgical procedure as well. The only reason why a number of people prioritise transgender surgery in Vijayawada is because it allows them to fight against gender dysphoria – which can make day-to-day life hard for certain individuals.
For people who do not want to undergo a surgical procedure, they can opt for the alternative option of hormone replacement therapy.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Commonly known as HRT, Hormone Replacement Therapy, as the name suggests, essentially involves replacing the hormones in the body of a person. At times, this treatment option is prescribed when the body fails to produce enough hormones for the normal functioning of their bodies. Alternatively, HRT can be opted for by a number of transgender people to replace the natural hormones produced by the body to replace them with the opposing gender’s hormones.
For example, a transgender woman will have naturally produced male hormones in their body. They can undergo hormone replacement therapy to replace their hormones with the hormones produced by the female body in order to confirm their gender as per their transition.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
More Affordable
There are a number of benefits of hormone replacement therapy, but perhaps the most important one is that it is a much more affordable procedure. Transgender surgery costs in India can pile up quickly and rapidly – not everyone can afford the procedure. However, with hormone replacement therapy, they can still undergo a gender affirmation procedure.
Avoid all the Menopausal Symptoms
With the help of HRT, women can avoid experiencing a number of menopausal symptoms. Menopause in women is mostly triggered by the slowly declining production of the oestrogen hormones. Following are the symptoms HRT can help someone avoid:
- Hot and cold flashes
- Intense night sweats
- Menopause induced insomnia
- Anxious thoughts and generally a sad mood
- Vaginal dryness
HRT helps transgender women later in their lives avoid all these issues too. Incidentally, if one decides to transition later in life, one can still avoid all the menopausal symptoms, which can get difficult to manage as more time passes.
Improvement of Mental Health
Research has shown that any transgender person who underwent hormone replacement therapy early in their life was not only able to affirm their gender as per their gender identity, but rather it also allowed them to be able to present themselves as their truest self. This process of being able to have their bodies affirm their prioritised gender proved to be an important aspect that helped in the overall betterment of their mental health.
Way to FIght Gender Dysmorphia
Transgender people around the globe can struggle a lot with gender dysmorphia. Opting to undergo hormone replacement therapy also helps to generally avoid dysmorphia that a transgender person has to carry throughout their life if they opt not to have gender affirmation surgery.
Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy offers a myriad of benefits, but it is also important to acknowledge the risks associated with this procedure. As much as this process can help transgender people, it is imperative that they are aware of the side effects, no matter how major or minor, associated with the therapy. Transgender surgery in Vijayawada might be a better option for some people, as HRT can cause complications in some people.
It is important to note that these side effects can bother anyone. If one experiences any of the following symptoms in a severe state, one must consult their care provider as soon as possible. Following are some of the symptoms associated with undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy:
- Blood clots develop in a number of veins in the body. Clots can also develop in the lungs.
- HRT can also lead to stroke in certain individuals.
- It can lead to the development of heart problems in some people
- The treatment procedure can increase the levels of triglycerides in the blood.
- It can also lead to a higher level of potassium in one’s blood.
- HRT treatment can lead to infertility issues later down the line.
- It can cause nipple discharge.
- Weight fluctuation can be a result of this procedure
- One is also at the risk of developing high blood pressure.
- A person can also stand at the risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes.
As much as receiving gender affirmation can be for any transgender individual, it is important to take this decision after careful consideration. It is imperative that one has weighed out the various pros and cons of undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy before moving forward with this procedure.
Conclusion
Hormone Replacement Therapy can come in as a saviour for anyone who wants to undergo a gender affirmation procedure. It is important to know how Hormone Replacement Therapy can help anyone come one step closer to their true identity. However, at the same time, it is imperative to know and acknowledge the risks involved. It is vital that one gets an analysis done before jumping in head first without researching it thoroughly.
