Shorts
Shorts are quick, 5-minute overviews of core concepts in transgender health. They're written in an accessible way, and use simple language where possible. Shorts are targeted towards transgender people who are just getting started and may not have a medical background, but can also be useful as a quick reference sheet more generally.
Shorts are not an alternative to advice from a qualified healthcare professional, and sometimes omit information that would have been critical for a cisgender person, but isn't relevant to a transgender body.
Antiandrogens
Antiandrogens (also known as testosterone blockers) are medications that counteract the effects of masculinizing hormones.
| Medication | Description |
|---|---|
| GnRH analogues (Lupron, Decapeptyl) | Gold-standard antiandrogen |
| Spironolactone | Antiandrogen |
| Cyproterone acetate | Antiandrogen |
| Bicalutamide | Antiandrogen |
| Finasteride | Prevents hair loss but does not block testosterone |
| Dutasteride | Prevents hair loss but does not block testosterone |
| Estrogen monotherapy | Alternative to antiandrogens |
Miscellaneous medications
Uncategorized medications with various different effects
| Medication | Description |
|---|---|
| Minoxidil (liquid/foam) | Promotes hair growth where it is applied |
| Minoxidil (pill) | Promotes hair growth across the body |
| Raloxifene | Experimental alternative to estrogen that may prevent breast growth |
| Tamoxifen | Older, less safe equivalent to raloxifene |
| Domperidone | Induces lactation (breast milk production) |
Blood tests
Blood tests are used to monitor hormone levels and general health.
| Test | Description |
|---|---|
| Alanine Transaminase (ALT) | Marker of liver health |
| Complete (full) blood count | Count of red and white blood cells |
| (Total) estradiol | Measurement of estradiol levels |
| (Total) testosterone | Measurement of testosterone levels |
| Prolactin | Measurement of protein responsible for lactation (milk production) |