Transgender hormone therapy (male-to-female) medical professional. Inducers of CYP3A4 and other cytochrome P450 enzymes can reduce the effects of MTF HRT. A variety of different sex-hormonal medications are used in feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women. These include estrogens to induce feminization and suppress testosterone levels; antiandrogens such as androgen receptor antagonists, antigonadotropins, GnRH modulators, and 5α-reductase inhibitors to further oppose the effects of androgens like testosterone; and progestogens for various possible though uncertain benefits. Estrogens are the major sex hormones in women, and are responsible for the development and maintenance of feminine secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts, wide hips, and a feminine
Transgender hormone therapy (male-to-female) cases of prostate cancer in transgender women have been reported in the literature. As such, and in accordance with the fact that androgens are responsible for the development of prostate cancer, HRT appears to be highly protective against prostate cancer in transgender women. The risks of hormone-sensitive cancers in transgender women have been reviewed. Estrogens and progestogens can cause prolactinomas, which are prolactin-secreting tumors of the pituitary gland. Milk discharge from the nipples can be a sign of elevated prolactin levels. If a prolactinoma becomes large enough, it can cause visual changes (especially decreased peripheral vision), headaches, depression or other