Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy is the primary medical component of transition for many transgender people. It brings the body's hormone levels in line with a person's gender, producing gradual physical changes over months and years.
This section gathers community-sourced, harm-reduction information for people who are either working with a provider or, where that is not possible, considering do-it-yourself (DIY) HRT. It exists because access to transition care is limited, expensive, or unsafe for many people in the MENA region.
Medical disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Doses, medications, and monitoring should ideally be supervised by a qualified provider. Always seek professional advice regarding a medical condition or treatment. In an emergency, contact your local emergency services.
Guides
- Transfeminine HRT — estrogen and anti-androgens for a more feminine body.
- Transmasculine HRT — testosterone for a more masculine body.
- Injection Guide (IM & subq) — equipment and a step-by-step walkthrough for intramuscular and subcutaneous injections.
- Blood Testing — what to monitor, how often, and the community target ranges.
- Informed Consent & Telehealth — accessing hormones through clinics and remote care.
The two broad approaches
Medical / prescribed HRT. A doctor prescribes hormones and monitors your bloodwork. Where available, an informed-consent model lets you start without lengthy psychiatric gatekeeping. See Informed Consent & Telehealth.
DIY HRT. When medical care is inaccessible, some people source and self-administer hormones. This carries real risks, but community projects document how to do it as safely as possible — correct medications, sensible doses, sterile technique, and regular blood testing. This directory summarises that guidance so you can make informed decisions. For where to obtain feminizing HRT when no doctor will prescribe it, see Sourcing HRT when it's not medically available.
Core principles
- Get bloodwork done. Hormone levels — not doses — tell you whether therapy is working and whether it is safe. See Blood Testing.
- Use the right medication and route. Esters, anti-androgens, and injection technique all matter. The guides explain the common options.
- Go slow and be patient. Most changes unfold over 1–3 years. Higher doses do not make changes happen faster and can be harmful.
- Never inject unsterile equipment. Use new, sterile needles and supplies every time.
Adapted from hrt.info and the DIY HRT Directory.