What is DIY HRT?

DIY HRT (do-it-yourself hormone replacement therapy) refers to obtaining and using hormones for gender transition without a doctor's prescription or supervision. Instead of getting HRT through a licensed clinic or endocrinologist, an individual self-medicates with hormones acquired through alternative channels.

Why people use DIY: Lack of access to informed consent clinics, financial barriers, legal restrictions, lengthy wait times, geographic or family barriers, and gatekeeping (e.g., needing multiple therapy letters).

Sources: DIYHRT.wiki,The Atlantic,Wikipedia

Major Risks of DIY HRT

Unverified Medication Sources: Medications might be mislabeled, expired, diluted, or counterfeit. Risk of contamination or improper storage.

Inaccurate Dosing: Easy to overdose or underdose without medical guidance. More hormones don't speed up transition but increase health risks.

Lack of Medical Monitoring: No routine check-ups for blood pressure, liver enzymes, electrolytes, cholesterol, and other health markers.

Unsafe Injection Practices: Improper technique can cause infections or tissue damage. Homebrewed hormones may carry sterility risks.

Sources: GenderGP,UCSF Transgender Care,The Atlantic

Safety Guidelines

Use Trusted Sources: Only order from community-vetted sources. Pharmaceutical grade is preferable over homebrew.

Evidence-Based Dosing: Follow guidelines from reputable sources. Aim for normal female hormone levels, not mega-doses.

Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to signs of high/low hormone levels. Seek medical help for severe symptoms.

Regular Blood Tests: Essential for monitoring hormone levels and health markers every 3-6 months.

Avoid Hazardous Shortcuts: Don't use herbal supplements or unsafe alternatives. Stick to actual HRT medications.

Sources: DIYHRT.wiki,GenderGP,UCSF

Common DIY Methods

Estrogen: Estradiol (oral, patches, or injections) - most common forms used in DIY HRT.

Anti-androgens: Spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, or bicalutamide for testosterone suppression.

Medication Sources: International online pharmacies, community homebrew suppliers, or trusted overseas vendors.

Target Levels: Estradiol 100-200 pg/mL, testosterone below 50 ng/dL (female ranges).

Sources: DIYHRT.wiki,Trans Harm Reduction

Blood Work & Monitoring

Essential Tests: Estradiol, testosterone, liver function, kidney function, lipids, complete blood count, and prolactin.

Private Lab Services: PrivateMDLabs, Request A Test, Ulta Lab Tests, QuestDirect, LabCorp OnDemand allow self-ordered tests.

Testing Frequency: Every 3-6 months initially, then annually when stable.

Warning Signs: Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headaches, yellowing skin, or unusual bleeding.

Sources: Request A Test,LabCorp OnDemand,Trans Harm Reduction

Legal Considerations (U.S.)

Importation: Technically illegal to import prescription medications without a prescription, but enforcement is limited for personal use.

Customs Risk: Small risk of package seizure at customs, but individual prosecution is extremely rare.

Possession: Technically illegal to possess prescription drugs without a prescription, but rarely enforced for personal use.

Grey Area: Operates in a "don't ask, don't tell" grey zone - technically not lawful but quietly tolerated.

Sources: FDA,Kaiser Family Foundation,The Atlantic