Hormone use among the transgender, transvestites and non-binary population of Porto Alegre, Brazil, 2021: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prevalence of hormone use, sociodemographic profile, and access to health services among the transgender, transvestite, and nonbinary population in Porto Alegre, capital city of Rio Grande do Sul state.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2021, using a snowball sampling method (n=65). Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire with transgender people aged 18 years or older.

Results: High hormone use was observed (n=47), with a higher occurrence of self-medication among transgender women, transvestites, and transfeminine people (n=10). Health monitoring predominantly occurs in gender identity outpatient clinics (n=56). Episodes of transphobia when accessing health services were reported by 28 individuals.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated high prevalence of hormone use, highlighted specific patterns of use across different gender identities, and the need for improvements in access to healthcare services.

Main results: High prevalence of hormone use was observed (n=47), with emphasis on formulations containing estrogen (n=12) or testosterone cypionate (n=22). Self-administered hormone therapy was higher among transgender women, transvestites and transfeminine people (n=10).

Implications for services: This study contributes to understanding the process of self-administered hormone therapy and the need for appropriate interventions. It highlights the importance of establishing strategies that ensure access without discrimination based on gender identity.

Perspectives: Further studies are needed on this topic to encourage the inclusion of medications used in hormone therapy in the National List of Essential Medicines, with the aim of making access to hormones more equitable and universal.