HRT in trans women is primarily a combination of two sets of hormonal medicines, with a third sometimes added in:

  1. Estrogen (E) — The hormone which causes development of feminine secondary sexual characteristics. Necessary for feminization.
  2. Anti-Androgens (AA) — These block Testosterone (T), the masculinizing hormone, from taking effect in the body. These are optional, as sufficient Testosterone suppression can be achieved by Estrogen alone as well (monotherapy).
  3. Progesterone (P) — Another hormone present in cis women, anecdotally known to result in fuller breasts, increased libido, and improved sleep in some trans women.

Most of the research on Estrogen has been on cis women undergoing menopause. Anti-Androgen research primarily comes from cis women suffering PCOS and cis men suffering Prostate cancer. Research on the exact effects of Progesterone outside of cis women’s reproductive organs is practically non-existent.

Key resources (must read):

Optional reading:

These cover dosages, side effects, risks involved, and blood tests and levels needed involving HRT. Make sure you understand these details. The content on this site assumes you have at least gone through the DIY HRT Wiki. You may also find some other external resources linked where felt necessary.

Note: While monotherapy, suppressing T through higher Estrogen doses, is the recommended mode of HRT, some people may feel difficulty suppressing sufficient T through such means (importance of which is discussed in the DIY HRT Wiki). In such cases, adding low doses of an AA to your HRT regimen will help.

Trans feminine documentation is maintained primarily by Rafia and Eris from the TransPak Discord.