Gender affirming care Perth
Gender affirming care
Everything you need to know when considering transitioning
Sexual health clinic in Joondalup
My Sexual Health consults at
Luma Medical, 8/189 Lakeside Dr, Joondalup WA 6027
Luma Medical, 227 Newcastle St, Northbridge WA 6003
GENDER AFFIRMATION CARE
I want my body to match who I am: where do I start?
Gender affirmation is deeply personal, and no two journeys look the same. Whether you’re considering hormone therapy, need ongoing medical support, or want to discuss what’s medically possible for your transition, we’re here to help.
Gender incongruence is real, and every person deserves access to healthcare that affirms their identity. At My Sexual Health in Joondalup, we provide gender affirming medical care that is evidence-based, in a professional, respectful, and inclusive space. We recognise that many people face barriers to accessing treatment, and we aim to make this process as straightforward and supportive as possible.
What does gender affirming care involve?
We offer care for individuals 18 and above gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and related support. Our services include:
- Hormone therapy – If you’re considering masculinising or feminising hormones, we’ll discuss what’s involved, expected changes, and potential risks.
- Ongoing medical monitoring – If you’re already on hormones, we provide ongoing care, dose adjustments, and support for managing any side effects.
- Fertility and sexual health – We offer contraception advice, STI screening, and discuss options for fertility preservation for those planning their transition.
- Collaboration with GPs and allied health providers – If needed, we can work with your regular doctor, or other specialists to ensure continuity of care.
GENDER AFFIRMING HORMONE THERAPY
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first consultation is focused on understanding your medical history and goals. This is an opportunity to:
- Discuss your transition goals and expectations.
- Review any pre-existing medical conditions which may complicate treatment.
- Learn about hormone therapy, its effects, and possible side effects.
- Arrange baseline blood tests, if required, before starting treatment.
If hormone therapy is right for you, we follow an informed consent model, meaning you’ll be provided with all the necessary medical information to make an informed decision about your care.
What changes can I expect with hormone therapy?
Starting gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a deeply personal decision. While some people feel relief and excitement, others feel nervous about what to expect. Changes happen gradually, and the journey is different for everyone. Some people embrace every physical change that comes with hormones, while others prefer a slower change.
The key is understanding what hormones can and can’t do, setting realistic expectations, and working with a doctor who listens to what you want from your transition.
Masculinising hormone therapy (testosterone)
Testosterone, often referred to as T, is responsible for developing masculine physical traits. The goal is to bring testosterone levels into the typical male range while maintaining overall health.
- Usual testosterone range for therapy: 8.7 nmol/L to 29 nmol/L
- Dosing options: Testosterone is usually given as an injection, gel, or cream, depending on preference.
- Injectable testosterone is administered every few weeks to months.
- Testosterone gels/creams are applied daily and may offer a more gradual approach.
People on testosterone may experience:
- Voice deepening – This is usually one of the first changes, often happening within a few months. Some describe it as sounding like they have a sore throat before it settles into a deeper pitch.
- Increased facial and body hair – This takes longer and varies from person to person. Some people grow a full beard over time, while others develop light facial hair or patchy growth.
- Changes in muscle mass and fat distribution – Many people notice their body shape shifting—less fat around the hips and more definition in the arms, legs, and shoulders.
- Cessation of monthly bleeds – Menstruation usually stops within a few months, but this varies. Some people find it takes longer, while others stop bleeding almost immediately.
- Bottom growth – The clitoral area increases in size, approximately 1 to 4cm and can become hypersensitive. Some find this change affirming, while others take time to adjust.
- Changes in libido and sexual function – Some experience a surge in sex drive, while others notice a shift in how their body responds to touch.
Testosterone doesn’t instantly “switch” someone from one gender to another—it’s a gradual process that unfolds over months and years. Some people choose a lower dose or microdosing for a slower approach, though effects and risks still require medical monitoring.
Feminising hormone therapy (oestrogen and testosterone blockers)
For those taking oestrogen, the goal is to reduce testosterone’s effects while allowing oestrogen to promote feminine characteristics.
- Target oestrogen range: 250–600 pmol/L
- Target testosterone suppression: Below 2 nmol/L
- Dosing options:
- Oestrogen is given as tablets, patches, gels, or implants.
- Testosterone blockers help suppress testosterone production for those who require it.
People on oestrogen often notice:
- Softer skin and fat redistribution – Over time, fat shifts away from the stomach and towards the hips, thighs, and buttocks, creating a softer, curvier appearance.
- Breast development – This varies from person to person. Most will experience modest breast growth. Breast development usually takes up to 3 years to fully mature.
- Decreased body and facial hair – Hair growth slows down, but doesn’t usually disappear completely. Many people choose laser hair removal or electrolysis to further reduce facial hair.
- Changes in sexual function – Oestrogen can lead to reduced libido and changes in genital sensitivity. Some people find this distressing, while others feel more comfortable in their body.
- Lower muscle mass – Strength may decrease slightly, and some notice a loss of muscle definition.
- Emotional changes – Many people describe feeling more in touch with their emotions or noticing shifts in mood.
Oestrogen alone doesn’t remove testosterone’s effects, which is why testosterone blockers (such as spironolactone or cyproterone) are sometimes prescribed. These help reduce facial hair growth, lower libido, and stop further virilising effects.
For some people, feminisation is about embracing every possible change, while others prefer a low-dose approach to preserve certain physical traits.
A transition that works for you
Hormones don’t work overnight, and the results are unique to each person. Some people love every change their body goes through, while others find that certain aspects take time to adjust to. There’s no right or wrong way to transition—the goal is to feel at home in your body.
Surgical gender affirmation care?
Medical transition with hormone therapy has its limitations and some gender diverse patients may choose to undergo surgical procedures to further affirm their gender identity. Surgical affirming care involves surgical procedures to align a person’s body with their gender identity.
We do not perform gender-affirming surgeries at My Sexual Health. However, if surgery is something you’re considering, we can discuss medical considerations, potential impacts on hormone therapy, and refer you to surgical providers if needed.
Our role is to provide medical care; helping you understand and manage hormone therapy, monitoring, and overall health needs during your transition.
GENDER HORMONE THERAPY
Are there other things to consider before starting hormones?
Some people may need to consider:
- Fertility preservation – If you may want biological children in the future, we can discuss your options before starting hormones.
- Sexual health – Hormones can affect libido and genital function. We provide medical advice on what to expect and how to manage changes.
- Side effects and long-term health – Hormone therapy has potential risks, so regular monitoring is important to ensure your health and safety.
- Non-hormonal gender affirmation options – Some people choose to bind, tuck, or explore other non-medical ways to affirm their gender. While we don’t provide these services directly, we can direct you to trusted resources.
We take a medical approach to gender affirmation while respecting the diverse ways people experience gender.
GENDER AFFIRMING CARE PERTH
My Sexual Health Joondalup
At My Sexual Health in Joondalup, we offer gender affirming medical care in a professional and inclusive space. We know that many people struggle to find doctors who are informed and supportive, and we are committed to providing care that respects and affirms your identity.
Whether you’re starting hormone therapy, continuing treatment, or simply exploring your options, we’re here to help you navigate the medical aspects of transition.