Hi Friends,
Since so much posts are coming these days on guidance for HRT, sharing this exhaustive post here for common reference.
📋 Before Starting HRT
✅ Self Preparation
☐ Learn about HRT benefits and limitations.
☐ Understand permanent vs reversible changes.
☐ Set realistic expectations.
☐ Build a support system (family/friends/community).
✅ Mental Health
☐ Meet a gender-affirming psychologist/psychiatrist (if required).
☐ Obtain Gender Dysphoria diagnosis (if your endocrinologist or future surgeon requires it).
☐ Keep copies of psychological assessment reports.
✅ Medical Evaluation
☐ Complete physical examination.
☐ Blood Pressure, Height & Weight.
☐ Baseline Blood Tests:
CBC
Liver Function Test
Kidney Function Test
Lipid Profile
HbA1c / Blood Sugar
Thyroid Profile
Serum Testosterone
Estradiol
Prolactin
Vitamin D & B12 (optional)
Electrolytes
✅ Fertility Planning (Very Important)
☐ Decide whether to have biological children in future.
☐ Consider sperm banking before starting HRT.
☐ Understand fertility may reduce permanently after prolonged HRT.
💊 During HRT
Regular Monitoring
☐ Endocrinologist follow-up every 3–6 months.
☐ Blood tests as advised.
☐ Monitor:
Estradiol
Testosterone
Liver function
Kidney function
Lipids
Potassium (if taking spironolactone)
Lifestyle
☐ Stop smoking.
☐ Maintain healthy weight.
☐ Regular exercise.
☐ Balanced diet with adequate protein and calcium.
☐ Vitamin D supplementation if required.
Documentation
Keep copies of:
☐ Prescriptions
☐ Blood reports
☐ Hormone dosage history
☐ Medical certificates
👩 Feminization (Optional)
☐ Hair removal (Laser/Electrolysis)
☐ Voice training
☐ Makeup skills
☐ Skin care
☐ Hair growth plan
☐ Clothing & styling
☐ Facial feminization consultation (if desired)
⚖ Legal Documents (India)
If planning legal gender change:
☐ Aadhaar
☐ PAN
☐ Passport
☐ Driving Licence
☐ Voter ID
☐ Bank accounts
☐ Educational certificates
☐ Employment records
Maintain:
☐ Identity proof
☐ Medical records
☐ Name change documents (if applicable)
🏥 Planning for SRS / Gender-Affirming Surgery
Before Consultation
Keep:
☐ HRT history
☐ Hormone prescriptions
☐ Blood reports
☐ Psychological evaluation (if required)
☐ General medical fitness certificate
Hair Removal
Many surgeons recommend:
☐ Genital electrolysis or laser hair removal (if required for vaginoplasty technique).
General Health
☐ BMI within acceptable range.
☐ Blood pressure controlled.
☐ Diabetes controlled.
☐ Stop smoking (preferably at least 6–8 weeks before surgery).
☐ Avoid nicotine.
💰 Financial Planning
Estimate costs for:
☐ HRT
☐ Blood tests
☐ Laser hair removal
☐ Voice therapy
☐ Travel
☐ Accommodation
☐ SRS surgery
☐ Post-operative care
☐ Emergency fund
🏡 Post-Surgery Planning
Arrange:
☐ Caregiver/support person.
☐ Leave from work (typically 6–12 weeks depending on procedure and recovery).
☐ Comfortable recovery space.
☐ Supplies for wound care.
☐ Surgeon follow-up schedule.
☐ Dilators (if undergoing vaginoplasty).
☐ Lubricants.
☐ Pain medications (as prescribed).
❤️ Long-Term Health
☐ Continue endocrinologist follow-up.
☐ Regular blood tests.
☐ Bone health monitoring.
☐ Breast screening as advised.
☐ Cardiovascular health.
☐ Mental health support.
☐ Annual health check-ups.
🚫 Avoid
❌ Self-medicating with hormones.
❌ Buying hormones without medical supervision.
❌ Skipping blood tests.
❌ Smoking while on estrogen therapy.
❌ Stopping hormones abruptly without consulting your doctor.
💡 Final Tip
Transition is highly individual—there is no "correct" timeline. Work with qualified endocrinologists, mental health professionals, and surgeons experienced in transgender healthcare. Maintaining organized medical records, following evidence-based treatment, and planning finances and recovery in advance can make the journey significantly smoother.
This checklist is intended as a practical planning guide and should complement, not replace, advice from your healthcare team.
