Gender-Affirming Medical Transition

Our gender-affirming medical treatment includes puberty blockers and hormone therapy. We do not perform surgery at the Gender Health Clinic, but we can provide referrals to surgeons. We will also help you navigate other medical interventions that can help you feel affirmed in your identity.

Puberty blockers

Puberty blockers are meant to help place a pause on puberty to allow gender-diverse patients more time in exploring gender identity. There are several types of blockers, so our nurse can help your family navigate which option may be best for you based on your individual needs, insurance and financial ability. Learn more about puberty blockers.

Masculinizing hormones — testosterone

Testosterone is a cross-sex hormone taken by gender-diverse patients who want to masculinize their body. We will most likely prescribe subcutaneous injections, as injections are a common form of administration for this hormone. There are other options for taking testosterone that may be considered if needed. Learn more about masculinizing hormones.

Feminizing hormones — estrogen

Estrogen is a cross-hormone taken by gender-diverse patients who want to feminize their body. We will most likely prescribe estrogen in a pill format, although there are other options for taking estrogen if needed. Learn more about feminizing hormones.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT)

There are many issues to consider for those starting gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) under the age of 18. We can help you navigate and understand these steps at any point. There are some legal requirements prior to starting hormone therapy under the age of 18:

Permission from caregiver. Caregivers who have medical decision-making consent for treatment must provide permission.

Completion of the Readiness Assessment/Evaluation. A mental health provider must complete this assessment tool, which ensures that a young person is set up for success prior to starting GAHT. The assessment includes review of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care for medically necessary treatment. It also includes a review of pertinent aspects of a patient’s life, such as social transition, support, mental health needs and more.

We want to support your success with GAHT for the remainder of your time in our clinic and into adulthood.

Lab work. We will conduct lab work to ensure no pre-existing medical conditions will prevent a patient from starting GAHT.

Rest assured, we are here to support your gender journey. We can assist you and your family in understanding the need for and how to obtain necessary documentation to help you start medical transition.

The Gender Health Clinic not only follows the most up-to-date care standards from the Endocrinology Society and WPATH, but also ensures you are medically monitored and supported along the way. Learn more about GAHT.

Optional fertility preservation

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and some gender-affirming surgeries can make it difficult to get pregnant or make someone get pregnant. Before starting any gender-affirming medical intervention, some people will take steps to make it more likely to have biological children in the future. This is known as fertility preservation.

Our Gender Health team can talk with you further about this process, even if you are not sure right now. Learn more about fertility preservation.