Can you start hormone therapy at 16?

If used in an adolescent, hormone therapy typically begins at age 16. Ideally, treatment starts before the development of secondary sex characteristics so that teens can go through puberty as their identified gender. Gender affirming hormone therapy is not typically used in children.

Can you start estrogen at 16?

Doctors can prescribe estrogen or testosterone at gradually higher amounts to mimic the puberty of the female or male gender. The Endocrine Society recommends that kids start taking these hormones around age 16, but doctors will start them as early as 13 or 14.

How do I know if hormone replacement therapy is right for me?

Signs that you may need hormone replacement therapy include:

• Hot flashes.
• Night sweats.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Pain, itching, or burning during intercourse.
• Bone loss.
• Low sex-drive.
• Mood changes.
• Irritability.

When should you start hormone replacement therapy?

You can usually begin HRT as soon as you start experiencing menopausal symptoms and will not usually need to have any tests first. A GP can explain the different types of HRT available and help you choose one that’s suitable for you. You’ll usually start with a low dose, which may be increased at a later stage.

Can you start HRT without parental consent?

If a child wishes to begin hormone therapy, medical consent laws and Fourteenth Amendment jurisprudence require parental consent.

At what age can you take hormone blockers?

You may need to wait until you are 16 years old to begin hormone treatment, but you may be able to take puberty blockers in the meantime. What are the risks of puberty blockers and hormone treatment? Puberty blockers may: Slow your physical growth and affect your height.

Who is a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy?

Your doctor may decide you are a good candidate for HRT if: Your menopausal symptoms are severe including headaches, sleep problems, painful intercourse, and night sweats. You have a family history of osteoporosis or colon cancer. You have had early menopause before age 40.

Does HRT help lose weight?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can affect weight loss in women. In addition to having less abdominal fat, the same study found that women undergoing HRT were almost one whole point lower on the body mass index (BMI) scale, and they had nearly 3 pounds less of fat mass.

Can you start HRT at any age?

You can usually begin HRT as soon as you start experiencing menopausal symptoms and will not usually need to have any tests first. However, a blood test to measure your hormone levels may be carried out if you’re aged 40 to 45.