Gender identity refers to a person’s inner sense of being male, female, or a gender that is different from the sex assigned at birth.

Although the exact cause of gender identity is unknown, research suggests that it may be influenced by a combination of biological, environmental, and cultural factors, including hormones.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by glands in the endocrine system. They travel through the bloodstream and affect various organs and tissues in the body.

Hormones control many bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, fertility, mood, and behavior.

How do hormones affect gender identity?

From early in fetal development, hormones play a role in the development of sex organs and the differentiation of male and female characteristics.

Androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone, determine the formation of male sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair and a deep voice. Estrogens, a group of hormones that includes estradiol, determine the formation of female sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and a higher-pitched voice.

However, hormones do not determine gender identity. Most people have a gender identity that is congruent with their sex assigned at birth, even if their hormone levels are not typical.

And some people with variations in hormone levels or hormone receptor sensitivity still have a gender identity that is congruent with their sex assigned at birth.

What about hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or gender-affirming hormone therapy, refers to the use of hormones to help a person transition from one gender to another.

Hormone therapy can involve the use of testosterone, estrogen, or both, depending on the individual’s desired gender and medical needs.

Hormone therapy can cause physical changes that align with a person’s gender identity, such as breast development, deepening of the voice, and facial hair growth.

Hormone therapy can also help alleviate the distress associated with gender dysphoria, which is the distress that some people experience when their gender identity does not match their sex assigned at birth.

Are there risks associated with hormone therapy?

As with any medical treatment, hormone therapy can have risks and side effects. The risks depend on the type and dosage of hormones used, as well as the individual’s medical history and overall health.

Some possible risks of hormone therapy include:.

Blood clots
High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
Weight gain
Infertility
Changes in sexual function
Osteoporosis
Breast cancer (for people taking estrogen)

It is important for people undergoing hormone therapy to be monitored by a healthcare provider, who can adjust the dosage and monitor for any complications.

Conclusion

Hormones play a complex role in the development of gender identity, but they do not determine it. Most people have a gender identity that is congruent with their sex assigned at birth, even if their hormone levels are not typical.

However, hormone therapy can be an effective treatment for some people with gender dysphoria, helping to alleviate distress and improve alignment between one’s physical characteristics and gender identity.