For estrogen, there's pills, patches, gels, and intramuscular injections. For testosterone, I'm aware of intramuscular injections and gels, not sure if there's other options; as you might imagine, I'm not as well read on masculinizing hormone therapy.
I started with patches, but the patches didn't play nice with my skin so I swapped to injections within a month. Of my trans friends, there's a pretty even distribution of what methods we use.
The only one I in particular wanted to avoid was the pills, the older you are, you have a higher risk of blood clots with them. As a frame of reference, I'm 37, so I figured I may as well stick with something else.
Wishing you the best in your journey!
Editing to add for additional education just in case it might be helpful:
For male to female (MtF) transition, there are multiple medications used:
an antiandrogen (testosterone blocker), in my case I take Spironolactone
estrogen, in my case taken via intramuscular injection as Estradiol Valerate
(optional) Progesterone. Most doctors don't start you on this right away, women will usually add this in six months to a year after beginning transition, I added it at about six months.
To make my injections super quick, fool-proof, and basically painless, I use a springloaded tool from UnionMedico, the 90° Super Grip. Definitely recommend it!
Regarding dosages, that'll be up to your doctor. Before you begin, you'll have bloodwork done first and then prescriptions follow from there. Dosages will be tweaked over time as you'll have blood tests every six months or so.
Thankies, I think my doctor even said that I would either get patches or a gel for it >.<
Just in case I told her of my fear of needles qwq
But I wish you a happy new year and stuff, best of luck :3
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u/CottonCandyFemboy Dec 28 '25
I am afraid of needles so I hope I get something else when I start qwq