Transgender transitioning can be emotionally, culturally, socially, and physically difficult. We know it's difficult to navigate and we are here to help with the entire process.There are two major topics to be discussed: HRT and Surgery. We will discuss both topics here, but please note, this is not exhaustive and should not take the place of professional medical consultation.

Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, is the process of taking hormones to induce a physical change in one's sex. Transgender people often undergo hormone replacement therapy as part of their transition. The goal of HRT is to bring the body into alignment with the person's gender identity.

There are many different types of hormones and they are typically prescribed in specific combinations after a series of blood tests to determine an individual's needs. Estrogen and testosterone are the most common hormones used in HRT for transgender women and men, respectively.

It is important to have regular check-ups with a doctor while on HRT, as there can be risks associated with hormone use. Some common side effects of HRT include changes in mood, weight, and sex drive.

Gender confirmation surgery, or GCS, is the surgical procedure that Transgender people often undergo to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. There are a variety of surgeries that can be performed as part of GCS, but the most common are chest reconstruction surgery (or "top surgery") for transgender women and genital reconstruction surgery (or "bottom surgery") for transgender men.

GCS is a major decision and should not be taken lightly. It is important to research all your options and talk to professionals about what would be best for you. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure and it is important to weigh these against the benefits before making a decision.

We hope this has been helpful in beginning to understand the process of transitioning. Please remember to consult with professionals about what is best for you as an individual. Transgender transitioning can be difficult, but we are here to help!

If you have questions or would like more resources, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help! Thank you for reading.

- Aron Cyrrian

For more information check out my website: initiativecounselor.com