Spironolactone

Spironolactone is one of the most commonly used anti-androgens for trans women. It works by blocking testosterone receptors and reducing the production of testosterone in your body. This helps minimize masculinizing features like facial hair growth, body hair, and acne, while also making estrogen more effective at promoting feminizing changes.

You might notice effects like softer skin, reduced body hair, and less spontaneous erections. Some side effects can include increased urination (since it’s also a diuretic), changes in libido, fatigue, or mild dizziness.

Bicalutamide

Bicalutamide is an option for blocking testosterone that some trans women use as part of hormone therapy. It works by directly blocking testosterone from binding to its receptors, helping reduce masculinizing features like facial and body hair and allowing estrogen to have a stronger feminizing effect.

It’s usually well-tolerated, but potential side effects can include mild fatigue and in rare cases, effects on liver function, so regular blood tests are important. One advantage is that it doesn’t lower your blood pressure or cause frequent urination like spironolactone.

Cyproterone Acetate

Cyproterone acetate is a strong anti-androgen commonly used in hormone therapy for trans women. It works by both blocking testosterone receptors and reducing the production of testosterone in your body, helping to suppress masculinizing features like facial and body hair while enhancing the effects of estrogen.

Many trans women find it highly effective, but it’s important to monitor for side effects. These can include fatigue, reduced libido, mood changes, and, in rare cases, liver effects or an increased risk of blood clots. Regular blood tests are usually recommended to ensure your liver and overall health are in good shape.

Injections

Estrogen injections involve injecting estradiol, a type of estrogen, into a muscle or under the skin. Injections help develop feminine traits like breast growth, softer skin, and fat redistribution.

They provide a higher and more consistent estrogen level compared to some other methods. Side effects may include soreness at the injection site or mood swings.

Pills

Estrogen pills contain estradiol, a type of estrogen, and are taken orally to help develop feminine traits like breast growth, softer skin, and fat redistribution.

Pills are easy to use, but they can affect your liver, which can slightly increase the risk of blood clots and other side effects like nausea or headaches.

Gels

Estrogen gel contains estradiol, a type of estrogen, and is applied to the skin (usually on the arms, thighs, or abdomen). The gel absorbs through the skin and steadily releases estrogen into your bloodstream, helping develop feminine characteristics like breast growth and softer skin.

This is considered a very safe option but can cause skin irritation as it has an alchohol base.

Patches

Estrogen patches contain estradiol, a type of estrogen, and is applied directly to your skin (usually on the lower abdomen). It steadily releases estrogen into your bloodstream, helping develop feminine traits like breast growth and softer skin.

Patches are convenient, reduce strain on the liver, and lower the risk of blood clots compared to pills. They might cause mild skin irritation

Patches

Spironolactone is one of the most commonly used anti-androgens for trans women. It works by blocking testosterone receptors and reducing the production of testosterone in your body. This helps minimize masculinizing features like facial hair growth, body hair, and acne, while also making estrogen more effective at promoting feminizing changes.

You might notice effects like softer skin, reduced body hair, and less spontaneous erections. Some side effects can include increased urination (since it’s also a diuretic), changes in libido, fatigue, or mild dizziness.

Gels

Bicalutamide is an option for blocking testosterone that some trans women use as part of hormone therapy. It works by directly blocking testosterone from binding to its receptors, helping reduce masculinizing features like facial and body hair and allowing estrogen to have a stronger feminizing effect.

It’s usually well-tolerated, but potential side effects can include mild fatigue and in rare cases, effects on liver function, so regular blood tests are important. One advantage is that it doesn’t lower your blood pressure or cause frequent urination like spironolactone.

Injections

Cyproterone acetate is a strong anti-androgen commonly used in hormone therapy for trans women. It works by both blocking testosterone receptors and reducing the production of testosterone in your body, helping to suppress masculinizing features like facial and body hair while enhancing the effects of estrogen.

Many trans women find it highly effective, but it’s important to monitor for side effects. These can include fatigue, reduced libido, mood changes, and, in rare cases, liver effects or an increased risk of blood clots. Regular blood tests are usually recommended to ensure your liver and overall health are in good shape.