Transgender Hormone Therapy in Bangkok
Table of contents
- What is Transgender Hormone Therapy?
- Male-to-Female (MTF) or Feminizing Hormone Therapy
- Female-to-Male (FTM) or Masculinizing Hormone Therapy
- Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Cost at H.U.M. Clinic
- Ongoing and Supportive Care for Transgender Hormone Therapy
- Sexual Health Care for Transgender and Non-Binary People
- Why Choose H.U.M. Clinic for Transgender Hormone Therapy?
- FAQ About Transgender Hormone Therapy
What is Transgender Hormone Therapy?
Overview of Services at H.U.M. Clinic
Individualized Treatment Plans
Male-to-Female (MTF) or Feminizing Hormone Therapy
Feminizing Hormone Treatment Options
Anti-Androgens
- Androcur (Cyproterone) is highly effective in blocking androgen receptors and inhibiting the production of testosterone. Regular follow-up of liver enzyme is required.
- Spironolactone blocks androgen receptors but doesn’t suppress testosterone production as strongly as Androcur. Fewer side effects are expected regarding liver toxicity. Regular follow-up of serum electrolyte is required.
Estrogen Replacement
- Estradiol Gel (OEstrodose) is absorbed through the skin, bypassing the liver, which reduces the risk of liver-related side effects such as clotting issues , strokes, or other cardiovascular problems. The gel allows for precise and flexible dose adjustments and provides a more consistent and steady release of estradiol into the bloodstream. Here are the disadvantages:
- Daily application: This can be inconvenient for some individuals. It also requires waiting for the gel to dry before putting on clothes, which might not suit everyone’s lifestyle.
- Skin reactions: Some users may experience skin irritation at the application site, though this is typically mild.
- Absorption variability: The absorption of the gel can be influenced by factors such as body fat, temperature, and skin condition.
- Less convenient for travel: Since it’s a gel, extra care is needed to store it at the right temperature to maintain its effectiveness.
- Oral Estradiol (Estrofem) is widely available, cost effective, and easy-to-take. Here are the disadvantages:
- First-pass liver metabolism: The medication is metabolized by the liver before entering the blood stream, so it is known for liver-related side effects.
- Higher cardiovascular risks: It also increases the production of clotting factors, leading to a higher risk of blood clots (thrombosis), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially in individuals with underlying cardiovascular risks.
- Less stable hormone levels: Oral estradiol tends to cause more fluctuations in estradiol levels throughout the day. This can result in mood swings, inconsistent feminization, or more intense side effects at peak levels.
- Higher doses required: Oral estradiol generally requires higher doses to achieve the same blood levels as transdermal forms, which can increase the overall risk of side effects.
MTF Hormone Therapy Monitoring Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Liver function test
- Kidney function test
- Electrolytes
- HbA1c
- Lipid profile
- Testosterone
- Estradiol
- Prolactin
Female-to-Male (FTM) or Masculinizing Hormone Therapy
Masculinizing Hormone Treatment Options
Testosterone Injections
- Short-Acting Testosterone Injection: is cost effective and required frequent injection.
- Testosterone Enanthate is given intramuscularly at gluteal or thigh area every 2 weeks.
- Testosterone Cypionate is given intramuscularly at gluteal or thigh area every 2 weeks.
- Long-Acting Testosterone Injection: is more expensive; however, the interval of injection is longer.
- Testosterone Undecanoate (Nebido) is given intramuscularly at gluteal area every 12 weeks.
Topical Testosterone
- Testosterone gel (Androgel) is applied daily. Absorption can vary between individuals.
FTM Hormone Therapy Monitoring Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Liver function test
- Kidney function test
- Lipid profile
- HbA1c
- Testosterone
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Cost at H.U.M. Clinic
Price for Feminizing Hormone Therapy
- Doctor Consultation: Consultation first visit 800 THB
- Lab testing
- Initial Lab test: Pre-panel blood work before hormone initiation is essential. The test before getting or Feminizing Hormone Therapy or MTF testing package is 4,950 THB
- Follow-up Lab Tests: We recommend follow-up tests based on the medication you are taking to monitor hormone levels and ensure there are no serious side effects.
- Medication: Following options are all approved by Thai FDA:
- Anti-Androgens: We choose either of these options based on the patient’s risk, benefits, and potential side effects.
- Androcur (Cyproterone): costs 5,950 THB for 6-month supply of medication.
- Spironolactone: costs 1,950 THB for 6-month supply of medication.
- Estrogen Replacement: We select either of these options based on the patient’s risk, benefits, and potential side effects.
- Estradiol gel (OEstrodose): costs 3,750 THB for 3-month supply of medication.
- Oral estradiol (Estrofem): costs 1,875 THB for 3-month supply of medication.
- Anti-Androgens: We choose either of these options based on the patient’s risk, benefits, and potential side effects.
Price for Masculinizing Hormone Therapy
- Doctor Consultation: Consultation first visit 800 THB
- Lab testing
- Initial Lab test: Pre-panel blood work before hormone initiation is essential. The test before getting Masculinizing Hormone Therapy or FTM testing package is 4,950 THB
- Follow-up Lab Tests: We recommend follow-up tests based on the medication you are taking to monitor hormone levels and ensure there are no serious side effects.
- Medication: Following options are all approved by Thai FDA:
- Testosterone Enanthate is 3,600 THB for a 3-month supply (self injection every 2 weeks)
- Testosterone Cypionate is 3,600 THB for a 3-month supply (self injection every 2 weeks)
- Testosterone Undecanoate (Nebido) is 9,950 THB per 1 dose (injection every 3 months)
Ongoing and Supportive Care for Transgender Hormone Therapy
Refill, Restart, or Continuing Hormone Treatment
Monitoring and Adjustments
Referral for Gender-Affirming Surgery
Sexual Health Care for Transgender and Non-Binary People
HIV and Other STDs Screening Tests
STD Treatment and Prevention
Cancer Screening
Why Choose H.U.M. Clinic for Transgender Hormone Therapy?
Expertise and Comprehensive Care
Confidential and Inclusive Environment
Contact Us for Transgender Hormone Therapy
FAQ About Transgender Hormone Therapy
Yes, you can begin Transgender Hormone Therapy (HRT) without any requirement for surgery. Many individuals start hormone therapy to achieve desired physical changes without pursuing surgery. The decision to undergo surgery is personal and independent of hormone therapy.
The timeline for noticeable changes varies from person to person. Some individuals may begin seeing initial changes, like skin softening or muscle mass adjustments, within a few months. However, full effects, such as voice deepening or breast development, can take up to 2-5 years.
Some effects of HRT are reversible if stopped early, such as fat redistribution and skin changes. However, changes like facial hair growth (in FTM therapy) or breast development (in MTF therapy) may be irreversible without surgery. It’s important to discuss your long-term goals with a healthcare provider.
For most people, Transgender Hormone Therapy is a lifelong commitment to maintain the desired physical characteristics and hormone balance. Discontinuing HRT may result in the loss of some masculinizing or feminizing effects, but your healthcare provider will guide you on what is best for your long-term health.