A: Yes, there are some risks. If you work with a physician, then you can minimize the risks. Do not believe everything you read on Web sites about hormones. The most accurate information can be gathered by talking to a trans-friendly health professional. GLMA can help you find one. We recommend that you consider hormones when you can legally do so--that is, when you are 18, or with a parent's permission, if you are under 18.

Some transgender people decide to use hormones to have their bodies more closely match their gender identities. Others choose not to take hormones and instead use clothing to express the gender they feel inside. Still others decide that both hormones and surgery will help achieve the body that most closely matches how they feel inside.

Each person has to make the best choice for him or herself about hormones, so it's important to get good, accurate information. It is also very helpful to identify people in your life who can help you think things over. A trusted, supportive adult who cares about you--like a parent, family member, close adult friend, clergy person, counselor or medical provider--can be a great help in thinking things through.

Hormones cause big changes in a person's body.

Testosterone
People who were born female may choose to take testosterone to make their physical appearances look more masculine. Testosterone will cause some sex characteristics typical of males. Changes include:

• deepening of the voice
• different distribution of fat and muscle tissue
• body and facial hair growth
• changes in skin texture
• growth of the clitoris
• acne, and possibly baldness, even for younger people

Estrogen
People who were born male may choose to take estrogen to make their physical appearances look more feminine. Estrogen will cause some sex characteristics typical of females to start. These include:

• changes distribution of fat and muscle tissue
• widening of hips
• changes in the skin texture
• some development of breast tissue
• loss of ability to get an erect penis
• shrinking of the testicles
• decrease in sperm production
• decrease in sex drive

Because hormones are powerful drugs, they are prescribed by a physician. A family physician or endocrinologist may assist with preliminary exams and tests to make sure hormones will be safe for you to use. Again, having a trusted, supportive adult or adults help you navigate the medical system can be very important.

There are some things that hormones will not change. Estrogen will not make a person's penis or facial hair disappear. Testosterone will not make someone's breasts disappear. Testosterone won't cause a person to grow testicles or produce sperm. Estrogen won't cause a person to grow a uterus or ovaries or produce eggs. If you have any questions or worries about what hormones may do your body, be sure to ask!

Some of these changes are permanent. This means that even if the person stops taking hormones, some of the changes that they caused will not go away, ever. It's important to think hard about this while deciding about hormones. Hormones are powerful drugs, and can also cause side effects. Some side effects may be mild, while others might be life threatening.

Some people may think about buying hormones on the street, or sharing a friend's hormones, or using other drugs or substances not from a doctor to try to make their bodies change. This can be very dangerous. Using other substances, or using more hormones than are prescribed can be deadly. Using a higher dose than your doctor prescribes will NOT make your body change any faster. Using too much can actually work against the changes you are waiting for and be dangerous to your health!

It is also important to use clean needles when using injectable hormones, since HIV and other viruses can be passed along with shared needles.

Bottom line: Only hormones and treatments prescribed by a doctor for your particular body filled by a pharmacist can help you achieve the body you desire while balancing the potential risks.

To find a trans-friendly health care professional near you, click here