Hormone therapy

Hormone treatment can be recommended by our medical staff, where appropriate, and prescribing and administration is managed by the person’s General Practitioner (G.P.). The way that hormone treatment and hormone blocking treatments are administered depends on factors including the person’s goals, age, physical health problems and lifestyle, such as smoking.

Hormone treatment is usually a lifelong commitment to taking medication and managing physical health. There are risks associated with taking any medication and it is important that people understand those risks and take great care of their physical health. We ask that anyone taking treatment recommended by the service commits to managing their physical health by taking any treatment as prescribed and having regular blood tests at their G.P. practice to check that their treatment is working correctly and that they are healthy.

Each hormone treatment plan is personalised and some people may find that side effects, health concerns or unexpected consequences mean that they are no longer able, or no longer wish, to take treatment. People using the service may change their minds about what they want. It is possible to stop treatment, although the person’s body may not return to the way that it was before starting treatment. It is important that any changes to prescribed treatment only happen under the guidance of a suitably qualified medical professional.

Sourcing hormones from non-NHS suppliers

We are sympathetic to the distress that untreated gender dysphoria can cause. However, taking hormones bought from the internet or any unregulated sources can be very dangerous. There are significant risks to your health, especially if you do not have regular blood tests to monitor your physical health. We strongly advise against taking hormones bought from the internet as there is no guarantee that products obtained are the medication stated or the dose is accurate, as they are not from regulated pharmaceutical suppliers. There are health consequences and risks associated with these products, about which you may not be aware. Your care in the service will not be adversely affected if you decide to take hormones sourced from elsewhere. However, if you wish to commence prescribed treatment you will be expected to stop taking any such products before we recommend NHS prescribed hormones.

Further information on hormones:

A guide to hormone therapy for trans people