Guest written by Eva Reign, a Peabody and GLAAD Award winning Brooklyn-based actress, writer and artist from St. Louis, Missouri. She is the star of Billy Porter’s directorial debut Anything’s Possible from Amazon Studios and MGM’s Orion Pictures. Her writing has appeared in Vogue, Vice, Them, The Cut, Byrdie, PAPER and Highsnobiety.
Looking for Transgender resources? Take a look at some of our other popular article below!
- The Trans Guy's Guide to Sex Toys
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- The Political Bills Impacting Trans People
- How to Find a Sex Toy with Gender Dysphoria
Many people go through puberty during their adolescent years which marks the dawn of their attraction toward other people. As people continue to age and mature, sexual desire and stimulation reveals itself- but for Trans People, things can look a little different.
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What Changes Can I Expect While Getting HRT?
When Trans People begin Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), radical shifts to their bodily chemistry begin, which better align with each Trans Person’s understanding of themselves. Hormones help the outer expression of self reflect what a Trans Person’s inner spirit always knew them to be. Hormones can also impact sex drive and libido.
For Trans Women beginning HRT, these changes can be quite substantial.
It’s important to note that libido changes differ from person-to-person. Just as attraction and sexual desire changes for each person, the same can be said for the impact of Hormonal Replacement Therapy. Two Trans Women can be on the exact same regimen and experience completely different effects. Even over time on the same regimen, sex drive and stimulation will more than likely evolve.
All bodies are different.
All bodies are beautiful.
All bodies are valid.
Different Styles of HRT for Trans Women
There are many ways to go about Trans Feminine HRT. My primary care physician once said to me “this is a ‘choose your adventure.” You call the shots on what you need, or do not need for mind, body and soul. While physical transition is not a one-size-fits-all scenario, there are some common practices with common side effects. Trans Feminine HRT usually consists of a weekly or biweekly dose of Estrogen (in pill or injection form), Spironolactone, and an Androgen blocker.
Estrogen will promote growth of breast tissue and soften the skin making one more sensitive to touch in all those spicy areas of the body (like the nipples and pelvic region).
Several Trans Women have stated that Estrogen changed how their body responds.
An Androgen blocker decreases Testosterone, which oftentimes has effects many deem beneficial including less body hair and clearer skin. The less desirable side effects include a lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction and a lower sperm count. For Trans Women who do not enjoy use of their penis, this can be a good thing. It might even bring about more Gender Euphoria. For others, it can be a total mindfuck.
The impact of Spironolactone becomes confusing across the board when engaging with sexual partners who are attracted toward Trans Women’s penises. There’s nothing more overwhelming than being in bed with another person and not being able to perform as desired or expected. Erectile dysfunction is a confusing experience for anyone, but it can also cause strange bouts of dysphoria and otherness for Trans Women. In some cases, Androgens like Spironolactone can even decrease penial size and testes.
To circumvent some of these issues, many Trans Women lower their dose or completely opt out of using Spironolactone all together while remaining on Estrogen. This stops the suppression of Testosterone in the body, allowing for the return of a more active libido, and stops the shrinkage of the penis and testes. Spironolactone is a strong drug that can radically change your body and your relationship to it. There are many other Androgen blockers out there, and several of them are also covered by insurance. That said, an Androgen blocker might not even be for you, and that’s more than valid. Do you boo! It’s vital to do research and ask your primary care physicians for other options if Spironolactone isn’t agreeing with your body.
For me, Spironolactone was a godsend.
I loved the effects of it, and I later had a Gender Affirming Surgery that gave me a vagina. The impact on my previous genitalia was just par for the course. For a few of my Trans Sisters, it was absolute hell. Do what works for you and have no shame for any missteps you encounter.
Throughout this journey, many Trans Women find themselves desiring more stimulation and an increased sex drive. A common remedy is Progesterone. This hormone is known to promote breast tissue, help store fat in the butt and hips, and boost the libido. It also has some Androgen properties which some women have found helps with unwanted body hair and other things that Spironolactone is known to do. Some Trans Women who have had Bottom Surgery even take a small dose of Testosterone to boost sex drive and better balance their overall hormonal systems if the Estrogen count gets too high.
HRT Advice from a Trans Woman
The most important thing for a Trans Women to remember is that your body is your body. Physical transition, like life, has many ups and downs. There are moments that bring about immense euphoria and others that trigger dysphoria out of nowhere. When in the bedroom, say what you need. For sexual partners of Trans Women, the key is to listen and hold space while your partner voices her concerns and her fantasies. Whether someone has been transitioning for three months or three decades, their desires and pleasure sectors will morph and shift and even surprise. Patience is key. Transition is a journey, not a final destination.
Further Readings:
About Estrogen Hormone Therapy: UCSF Transgender Care
Vaginoplasty vs Vulvoplasty: University of Utah Health
A Guide to Dating Trans Women: Coveteur
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