Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Hormone therapy for trans and gender diverse patients in the general practice setting
1BM (UK), FRACGP, Medical Educator, Northern Territory General Practice Education (NTGPE), Charles Darwin University, NT; General Practitioner, Pandanus Medical NT, NT.
Background:
In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of trans, gender diverse and non-binary (TGDNB) people accessing healthcare. For many of these individuals the first port of call will be to their local general practitioner (GP). The TGDNB community is a high-priority population with the highest suicide rates of any population group in Australia. There is evidence that mental health outcomes improve significantly when individuals are able to access gender-affirming hormones.
Objective:
The aim of this article is to provide GPs working in Australia with a practical guide to prescribe gender-affirming hormone therapy to TGDNB patients.
Discussion:
GPs are ideally placed to provide care for TGDNB patients in the primary care setting. Gender incongruence is no longer viewed as a mental health disorder. In recent years there has been a move away from mandatory psychiatric assessment to more contemporary patient-centred models of care.
Related Concept Videos
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
Hormonal Regulation
Hormonal Regulation
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...

