When one wants to change their physical appearance as the opposite sex, they usually start with transgender therapy rather than going through surgical procedures. Here is an overview of what to expect when it comes to this process.
What is Transgender therapy?
Transgender therapy or transgender hormone therapy is sometimes called cross-sex hormone therapy where one undergoes a program of taking hormones to masculinize or feminize their overall look. For a male to female, their hormone therapy consists of antiandrogens and estrogens. For a female to male, hormone therapy will include androgens.
What is the requirement for one to undergo hormonal therapy?
This therapy usually involves psychological counseling and would need to have the clearance from your psychiatrist to be able to start the therapy. There are some though that self-administer the medications as some can buy them over the counter especially in other countries. Doing it on your own is a hazardous move as your health may be at risk. The frequency and the dosage are vital, and once you do not have the correct amount, this may threaten your health.
Is it safe?
Hormone therapy is safe when there is proper supervision by a medical health professional.
Who is eligible?
A diagnostic tool is used to determine if one is eligible for the program. Devices such as ICD-10 and DSM is involved. ICD-10 requires a patient to be diagnosed with GID or gender identity disorder or transsexualism. For the DSM there are four criteria that they based it on.
1. The person has a persistent and strong cross-gender identity
2. Consistent and constant discomfort of their original sex or the sense that their biological sex is inappropriate
3. Uncomfortable with the thought of physical intersex
4. The trouble causes clinical distress and causes significant changes in life.
There is so much more one needs to know about Transgender therapy and what to expect from the program. This is just a glimpse of that. If you want to know more detailed information, you may approach The International Center for Transgender Care.
