Gender-Affirming Care: What to Expect When Getting Started

Her Down There is a safe space to begin gender-affirming care. Letrice Mason, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, serves as your point person and resource person if you’re thinking about transitioning or feel you are non-binary rather than male or female. 

Understanding your goals 

Board-certified family nurse practitioner Mason asks you about your personal goals for your gender care during the first appointment. How do you identify yourself in terms of gender? 

She talks with you about what led to your decision. Do you feel completely comfortable with your gender identity? If you want to transition, what steps would you like to take? How would you like your appearance to align with your gender identity? 

Identifying therapy support and additional resources during your journey 

Letrice helps you identify therapeutic support during your gender-affirming care journey. It’s important to have a support team. In addition, it’s helpful to communicate with family, friends, or other individuals who have had or are experiencing similar journeys so that you can talk about changes you’re experiencing. 

Your therapist provides another safe environment for you to explore and discuss various options regarding your gender-affirming care. You may be able to join a therapy group with others who are further along in their journeys. Your therapist and a therapeutic support group can help you sort out reasonable goals and expectations. 

Understanding long-term changes from proceeding with gender-affirming hormone therapy

Letrice and your therapist review future changes in your appearance with you before you start gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). Once you begin taking hormones, some physical changes are irreversible. 

For example, feminine hormones cause breast development that is not reversible, even if you stop taking hormones at a later date. Some changes that occur from taking masculinizing hormones are also irreversible, even if you stop taking them: a deeper voice, facial and body hair growth, and male baldness. Some other changes such as body fat redistribution, increased or decreased muscle mass, and cessation of menstrual cycles are reversible. 

Steps for proceeding with gender-affirming care 

There are several steps to take if you’ve decided you want gender-affirming hormone therapy. Letrice performs a thorough in-person review of your medical history, including your mental health. 

You undergo a complete physical examination, including blood testing and other tests to determine if you have any conditions that could adversely affect GAHT. We would also like to see a diagnosis from a health professional indicating gender dysphoria or incongruence. You’ll need to sign consent forms for your GAHT. 

Once you’ve proceeded with gender-affirming hormone therapy, if you decide you want to have surgery, Letrice can make referrals. 

How is gender-affirming hormone therapy administered? 

Letrice teaches you how to inject testosterone in the fatty part of your abdomen, in a muscle in your glutes or in your thigh. Alternatively, you may prefer a patch, gel, or pellet. 

You can take estrogen via pills, gels, skin patches, or injections. You likely also will take anti-androgen medication. 

At first, you’ll receive a low dose of the hormones that will gradually increase. Letrice monitors you closely. Dosages depend on your goals and your health. 

How often do I see the doctor for gender-affirming care? 

You’ll likely see Letrice every 3 months for a year; every 6 months in year 2, then annually. You may decide to take hormones for the long term, or you may decide to stop taking them once you reach your desired goals. 

Assistance with the social aspect of gender-affirming care 

Letrice provides referrals to support groups who can help with new ways of personal grooming, wardrobe changes, wearing makeup, and more. 

Call or message Her Down There for compassionate gender-affirming care. We ensure your gender preference is treated with dignity and respect. We have offices in Houston and Arlington, Texas, and offer telemedicine appointments through our Arlington office.