GnRHa and Hormonal Suppression
For transgender people undergoing hormone therapy, puberty blockers are used to suppress hormone production is to achieve the desired gender-affirming effects. GnRHa works by continuously stimulating the pituitary gland to release gonadotropins, which initially increases sex hormone levels, but ultimately leads to their suppression. It's available as Decapeptyl, Gonapeptyl, Prostap, Zoladex and others.
In transgender women (assigned male at birth), GnRHa helps suppress testosterone production, facilitating the feminization process by reducing masculine secondary sexual characteristics such as body hair growth and muscle mass. Similarly, in transgender men (assigned female at birth), GnRHa suppresses estrogen production, promoting masculinization by inhibiting breast development and menstrual cycling.
Facilitating Hormonal Transition
GnRHa's ability to effectively suppress endogenous hormone production lays the groundwork for successful hormonal transition in transgender individuals. By creating a hormonal environment consistent with the individual's gender identity, GnRHa facilitates the development of secondary sexual characteristics congruent with the desired gender, enhancing gender affirmation and overall well-being.
Dosage and Administration
GnRHa is typically administered via subcutaneous (under the skin) injection every three months.