Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the use of sex hormones to alter secondary sex characteristics. It can be used to promote physical characteristics reflective of one’s gender identity or gender expression and may help you feel more at ease in your body, which may have positive effects on your mental well-being. The choice to start HRT is yours. If you want to learn more about HRT, Trans Care BC has some useful resources that you can review. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is primarily provided through primary care providers, including family doctors and nurse practitioners. If you have a primary care provider, and are looking for support to talk with them about exploring hormone replacement therapy, click here for resources to support you.

If you do not have a primary care provider or family physician, or if your healthcare provider is not comfortable with hormone replacement therapy, or if you do not feel comfortable bringing up hormone replacement therapy with your provider, Centretown Community Health Centre’s trans health program can help. The clinic offers feminizing and masculinizing hormone starts and tailors this service to your needs and transition goals. Their providers will explain the effects of hormones and work with you as you choose which medication is right for you. The clinic will also connect with your primary care provider and give them the information they need to continue prescribing hormones. 

You might also want to consider consulting the Rainbow Health Ontario Service Directory to find a gender-affirming provider near you. 

If you are a post-secondary student, we recommend you connect with your designated campus health services as most can provide hormone starts.