Planned Parenthood offers a range of services related to sexual and reproductive health, including hormone therapy services at many of their health centers. Hormone therapy, sometimes called hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or gender-affirming hormone therapy, involves taking estrogen, testosterone, or other hormones to align a person's physical characteristics with their gender identity.
- At Planned Parenthood, hormone therapy is available for both transgender and non-binary people who wish to masculinize or feminize their bodies as part of a gender transition. Services offered can include:
- Feminizing hormone therapy - Taking estrogen and possibly anti-androgens or progestins to develop female secondary sex characteristics like breasts, softened skin, decreased muscularity, slowed bodily hair growth, and redistribution of body fat.
- Masculinizing hormone therapy - Taking testosterone to develop male secondary sex characteristics like facial hair, a lower voice, increased muscularity, growth of the clitoris, and male-pattern baldness.
Not all Planned Parenthood locations offer hormone therapy services. The availability varies by state and health center. People interested in hormone therapy through Planned Parenthood can:
- Check if their local health center provides hormone therapy by searching on the (/get-care) or calling the health center directly.
- Make an appointment with a Planned Parenthood provider to discuss their options. The provider can assess eligibility for hormone therapy and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
For those starting hormone therapy, Planned Parenthood providers follow
informed consent protocols - they ensure patients understand the expected effects, risks, and benefits before starting treatment. No letter from a therapist is required. Planned Parenthoodaims makes hormone therapy accessible according to a patient's individual needs and goals.
Once hormone therapy is initiated, Planned Parenthood offers ongoing monitoring and care. This includes:
- Lab testing - Regular blood work to check hormone levels and monitor for potential adverse health effects.
- Prescription refills - Ongoing prescriptions for hormones as needed.
- Dose adjustments - Changing medication doses to achieve treatment goals safely.
- Ongoing counseling - Discussing any changes, challenges, or questions that arise during treatment.
In addition to hormone services, Planned Parenthood provides
transgender care resources more broadly, including:
- Gender-affirming supplies - Chest binders, packers, etc.
- On-site assistance changing legal name and gender
- Connections to trans-affirming specialty care
- Peer support groups
- Education and advocacy initiatives
So in summary -
Planned Parenthood offers feminizing and masculinizing hormone therapy at many health centers, with an informed consent model of transgender care. They provide a welcoming environment for trans and non-binary people to access safe, supportive medical transition.
If Planned Parenthood is not an option in your area but you're interested in hormone therapy or transgender care,
Balance Health Clinic(/) offers convenient virtual consultations nationwide. Their licensed providers specialize in LGBTQ care and use cutting-edge telehealth capabilities to provide accessible, compassionate hormone therapy and ongoing support. I highly recommend checking out their website or scheduling a risk-free consultation to explore your options.
