HRT or hormone replacement therapy is a procedure that transgender people undergo while transitioning, which enables their bodies to change to better align with their gender identity.
There is a significant amount of misinformation online regarding this therapy. Moreover, incomplete information adds to the ambiguity and confusion surrounding this procedure, which is already overwhelming for most people.
So, this article aims to clear some of this confusion by addressing what HRT does not accomplish.
Most people are aware that for a trans woman, HRT helps them develop feminine attributes such as breasts, through the use of testosterone blockers and estrogen. However, there are some things that HRT cannot do.
1.) Adam’s Apple
Unfortunately for trans women around the world, HRT cannot get rid of Adam's Apple. As a result, many women choose to undergo a surgery to get it removed following the transition.
While you can avoid this if your Adam’s apple is not very prominent, for some it could be the cause of gender dysphoria, which can be fixed with a surgery.
2.) Voice
HRT has no impact on your voice either. During puberty, the vocal cords thicken. This, coupled with the presence of the Adam’s apple will deepen the voice.
This is not something that can be resolved with HRT, since the hormones have no effect on your vocal cords after puberty. If your voice is deep, and you want it to be higher and softer, there are a few options available.
Firstly, you can opt for vocal feminization surgery, which facilitates communication at a higher pitch. However, many doctors recommend seeking training with a vocal coach instead, since the surgery poses a risk of damage to your vocal cords.
By training with a vocal coach, you can alter your pitch in about four to six months and soon enough, you will find yourself speaking in a naturally higher pitch.
3.) Bone Structure
Hormone Replacement Therapythe bone structure
If you go through this therapy before you attain complete puberty (by 15 years or so), then HRT might have a slight effect on your bone structure.
Otherwise, your bone structure will remain constant throughout your life. If this is something that bothers you, facial feminization surgery could be one solution. This surgery is meant to make a face look more feminine.
4.) Unwanted Hair
With HRT, your body hair might become thinner and more sparse.
However, if you have already developed some facial hair before beginning HRT, the hormones will not get rid of it.
While there won’t be further growth, the hair that has already grown will remain forever.
However, with an IPL machine or through electrolysis you can get rid of this unwanted hair.
You can use the IPL machine over your entire body and you can expect to get rid of at least 80% of your hair.
The rest of the hair will take forever to grow out, so this is a very effective method.
Electrolysis is an impeccable option to get rid of your facial hair.
Here at KetchBeauty, we provide IPLs specific to help transitioning women remove unwarted facial and body hair.
All IPL purchases are back by a 90 day money back guarantee and a 1 year warranty.
If you're looking for a better way to get rid of unwanted facial and body hair at home (permanently) click here to learn more.
You can find our two IPL handsets here:
KetchBeauty IPL Handset
KetchBeauty V4.1 IPL Handset.
Suggested read: (links open in a new tab)
Electrolysis Hair Removal - Everything You Need to Know
Best MTF Transgender Hair Removal Methods
MTF Laser Hair Removal
MTF Laser Hair Removal Cost
At Home Laser Hair Removal Before And After
4.) Height
There are still misconceptions in the community that HRT can help reduce your height. This, however, is untrue. The height that you are born with is what you will have to live with.
However, this is not something you need to worry about. There are plenty of gorgeous tall women and now, you would be one of them.
This holds true for feet size as well- HRT does not decrease the size of your feet since it cannot alter your bone structure.
These are some changes that unfortunately cannot be achieved with HRT. However, if that results in gender dysphoria, you can always consider the surgeries that have been listed above to resolve some of the issues. Good luck!!
Related Articles:
Effects of HRT MTF: 4 Emotional and Psychological Implications
The Effects of HRT on MTF transgender women has several psychological and emotional impacts, not only because of the changing physical attributes.
8 Overlooked Aspects of Transitioning From Male to Female
A list of things 8 overlooked aspects of transitioning from MTF & FTM you should know and be prepared for, before you set forth on this life-changing journey.
6 Tips to Seamlessly Transition From Male to Female
Transitioning is undoubtedly a complex procedure involving surgeries, hormones, and emotional and physical ramifications. Here's 6 tips to help you get started
11 Myths About MTF SRS | Gender Confirmation Surgery
Busting 11 most common myths surrounding MTF SRS bottom surgery to minimize the apprehension you may be feeling after a long day of research on this topic.
How to Start Transitioning From Male To Female Hormone-Free
Here are some steps you can undertake to begin transitioning from male to female (MTF) without the help of hormones.
MTF Transition: Everything You Must Know
These are some of the many aspects that people deal with during MTF transition. Understanding these points can help you enjoy a more seamless transition from MTF.
