Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Gynecological Providers' Willingness to Prescribe Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy for Transgender Patients
Deirdre A Shires1, Lucas R Prieto1, Michael R Woodford2
1School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
Purpose:
Transgender individuals face barriers to accessing gender-affirming hormone therapy, yet little is known about gynecological providers' willingness to provide such care.
Methods:
We surveyed gynecological providers in one healthcare system to determine their willingness to prescribe hormone therapy (HT) for transgender patients and factors associated with willingness to both initiate and refill HT.
Results:
Among respondents (N = 60), 60.3% and 27.6% were willing to refill and initiate HT for transgender patients, respectively. Willingness to refill HT was associated with having met a transgender person and lower transphobia. Unwillingness was associated with lack of transgender health training, lack of staff knowledge about transgender health, and unfamiliarity with transition guidelines. Willingness to initiate HT was associated with younger age and resident status. Unwillingness was associated with unfamiliarity with transition guidelines.
Conclusion:
While gynecological providers are qualified to prescribe HT for transgender patients, willingness to do so may be influenced by both personal and educational/training factors. Encouraging and training gynecological providers to provide gender-affirming HT will help to increase access for transgender individuals.
Related Concept Videos
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...
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...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Menopause

