The degree of distress in gender dysphoric individual can be variable, therefore hormone therapy may not be necessary for all individuals. When it is requested by the patient, it should be tailored according to their specific needs. Only in some cases, distress is so intense for the individual as to make medical treatments necessary (Bockting e Goldberg 2006, Bockting 2008, Lev 2004). In the present paper, after a brief historical introduction and an overview of clinical guidelines made available so far, we will explore the aims of hormone therapy in FtM and MtF trans people, their masculinizing and feminizing effects, and available data on their safety for the patient’s health. Finally, we will review the effects of hormone therapy on the psychological well-being of trans people.
Key words: hormone therapy, gender dysphoria, psychological well-being