Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy isn’t just for adults experiencing age-related hormone fluctuations. At Ione Medical in Santa Fe, New Mexico, skilled nurse practitioner Rebecca Fredman, CNP, AGNP-C, offers feminizing and masculinizing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to those persons transitioning from one gender to another. If you desire to start GAHT, or if you are currently using GAHT and feel that you would like to do more to align your physical presentation to your unique gender identity, please request a consultation using our online booking feature today. 

What is gender-affirming hormone therapy?

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a medical treatment that helps transgender and gender-nonconforming people align their physical appearance with their gender identity.

Who is a candidate for gender-affirming hormone therapy?

GAHT is appropriate for people seeking to feminize or masculinize their appearance and can also be customized for nonbinary people seeking more subtle physical changes.

This form of hormone therapy can be effective at altering facial hair, voice, masculinity, breasts, fat distribution, and numerous other physical characteristics.

The benefits of gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender or gender-nonconforming people can include greater peace of mind, mood improvements, and a better quality of life.

During your initial consultation, Rebecca Fredman, CNP, AGNP-C, meets with you to discuss your goals before you choose gender-affirming hormone therapy. She will review your medications, and complete an extensive history and evaluation to assess your physical and mental health, and assess your readiness to initiate treatment. If you are already using GAHT and want to continue or improve upon your current regimen, Rebecca can discuss altering your therapy, adding (or discontinuing) medications, or starting a new form of hormonal medication.

What is feminizing GAHT?

Feminizing GAHT typically involves the use of estradiol (a form of estrogen) and a hormone blocking medication called spironolactone. There are many forms of estradiol used for GAHT including oral tablets, topical patches or gel, or injections. 

What is masculinizing GAHT?

Masculinizing GAHT typically involves using testosterone. Injectable testosterone is a good choice for patients seeking more rapid results. Other forms of testosterone, such as topical gel or patches, are useful for patients seeking a more gradual transition or for those who do not feel comfortable using an injectable medication. 

Is GAHT appropriate for nonbinary people?

GAHT for nonbinary people might involve any of the medications mentioned above, depending on the patient's goals. 

If you are interested in gender-affirming hormone therapy, or if you are new to New Mexico and seeking an experienced medical provider to manage your existing GAHT regimen, please request a consultation with Ione Medical by using our online booking feature today.