Hormone Therapy and Its Impact on Gender Identity in Urology

Q: Hormone Therapy and Its Impact on Gender Identity in Urology

Willian： Hello, theoretically, you should consider injecting HMG or HCG, which can stimulate testicular development. <br>You can also check the levels of male and female hormones to see if they are normal. <br>Additionally, if there is suspicion of a genetic issue, chromosome tes

Hormone therapy

In elementary school, I had issues with my genitalia, specifically penile retraction (I had already undergone circumcision at that time).
Later, my family took me to Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, where the doctor began a treatment regimen that lasted several months.
I remember having to go to the hospital for an injection once a week (it seemed like it was one injection).
However, I don't know what they injected me with.
Was it testosterone propionate? (This is what I want to know.) Recently, I have been feeling a desire for feminization, and I recall that even before the treatment, I exhibited some feminine characteristics.
Could it be that the treatment temporarily blocked my gender identity, leading to changes towards feminization in recent years? That treatment should be considered hormone therapy, right? It was only after the treatment that I was able to achieve erections and subsequently engage in masturbation, and I also experienced increased body hair (I remember that before the treatment, I was unable to achieve erections).
These changes should have occurred after the injections, correct?

William, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/10/25

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Willian: Hello, theoretically, you should consider injecting HMG or HCG, which can stimulate testicular development.
You can also check the levels of male and female hormones to see if they are normal.
Additionally, if there is suspicion of a genetic issue, chromosome testing can be conducted.
Another question: how is the size and firmness of your testicles? If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again so we can discuss and research further.
Answers from the internet should only serve as a reference; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2012/10/25

More Info

Hormone therapy plays a significant role in the management of various medical conditions, including those related to gender identity and sexual development. In your case, it seems you underwent hormone treatment during childhood due to issues with penile retraction, which likely involved the administration of hormones to stimulate normal sexual development. While you suspect that the injections you received might have been testosterone propionate, it is essential to clarify that the specific hormone administered can only be confirmed through medical records or discussions with your healthcare provider.

The relationship between hormone therapy and gender identity is complex. Hormones such as testosterone and estrogen significantly influence the development of secondary sexual characteristics and can impact one's sense of gender identity. In your situation, the treatment you received may have contributed to the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as increased body hair and the ability to achieve erections, which you noted were absent before treatment. These changes are typically associated with testosterone therapy, which is often used to treat conditions like hypogonadism or delayed puberty.

Regarding your feelings of femininity and the desire for female characteristics, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience fluctuations in gender identity, especially during and after hormone treatments. The effects of testosterone can sometimes lead to a more pronounced male identity, while the absence of such treatment or the introduction of estrogen can lead to a desire for femininity. This duality can be confusing, particularly if you have experienced both male and female characteristics at different points in your life.

If you are considering transitioning or exploring your gender identity further, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in gender identity and hormone therapy. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation, including potential options for hormone therapy that align with your gender identity goals. For example, if you are interested in female characteristics, estrogen therapy might be an option to consider, but this should be approached with careful medical oversight.

It is also important to understand that hormone therapy can have long-term effects on your body and sexual function. For instance, testosterone therapy can lead to testicular atrophy over time, which may affect fertility. If you are concerned about your fertility or the impact of hormone therapy on your reproductive health, discussing these issues with a urologist or an endocrinologist who specializes in reproductive health is crucial.

In summary, hormone therapy can significantly influence both physical characteristics and gender identity. Your past treatments likely contributed to the development of male traits, while your current feelings of femininity may reflect a complex interplay of biological and psychological factors. Seeking professional guidance can help you navigate these feelings and make informed decisions about your health and identity moving forward.

Similar Q&A

Exploring Male Hormone Therapy Options for Gender Dysphoria

Hello Doctor: I am a female, but I have always wished to become a male since I was young. I know that gender-affirming surgery is available, but I have heard that it can lead to a shorter lifespan and may have side effects, so I am not considering it. However, I really hope to re...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, you can consult a urologist regarding this issue, as they are more specialized in this matter! Wishing you all the best. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Shuo-Yan.

Can Trans Men with High Testosterone Symptoms Safely Undergo HRT?

Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask you about the suitability of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transgender individuals in physiological females with elevated androgen levels. My situation is that I identify as male and have experienced irregular menstruation and severe ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended that you visit a medical center for an evaluation by both an obstetrician-gynecologist and a psychiatrist. This will ensure that medical advice and regulations are followed appropriately. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health....

Exploring Hormone Therapy for Gender Transition: Costs and Health Effects

I would like to know if I want to transition to male but do not want surgery, and only wish to take male hormones to grow facial hair and deepen my voice, will the hospital support this? Will the costs be expensive? What kind of reactions might this cause in my body?

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery
Gender transition is a significant topic, especially regarding surgery. If one does not want to undergo surgery, then it is best not to pursue any interventions. Hormones are a fundamental driving force in the human body; if surgery is not desired, it is advisable not to alter ho...

Hormone Therapy for Transgender Women: Risks and Effects of Estrogen Use

Hello Dr. Chang, I was diagnosed as a transgender woman with gender dysphoria by a psychiatrist earlier this year, and I recently started hormone therapy. My gynecologist prescribed a four-week course of oral Estromon F.C. tablets. I would like to ask if there are any adverse eff...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your situation and considering the safety of the fetus and the stability of the uterus, it is recommended to follow your doctor's advice, continue taking the medication, and attend regular prenatal check-ups. Thank you! Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Zhan...