The initiation of transition, meaning gender correction through hormonal therapy, requires prior preparation. Both transgender women and transgender men aiming to start hormonal therapy should undergo consultations with various specialists and undergo a series of tests necessary for the safe implementation of the therapy.
A prerequisite for commencing the transition, for both transgender women and transgender men, is obtaining a psychological opinion and a certificate from a psychiatrist regarding gender dysphoria, which is a mismatch with the biological gender.
Transgender men should undergo a gynecological consultation in the first phase of the menstrual cycle, breast ultrasound, and the following tests:
- Estradiol,
- Testosterone,
- PRL (prolactin),
Additionally, they should also conduct:
- Complete blood count,
- Lipid profile,
- ALT (alanine transaminase),
- AST (aspartate transaminase),
- Glucose,
- Sodium,
- Potassium,
- Calcium,
- Creatinine.
Underage trans men should additionally test LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) in the first phase of the cycle.
Transgender women should undergo the same tests as transgender men, without considering the cycle phase and skipping gynecological consultation and breast ultrasound.
With these tests and documents, transgender individuals should visit an endocrinologist who will oversee further hormonal therapy.