Do Gay And Bisexual Men Have A Higher Risk Of Anal Cancer? Believe it or not, your sexual behaviors can influence your risk of developing certain types of cancers. In patients who are exposed to HPV (human papillomavirus) through sexual activity, the risk of developing these cancers increases dramatically. More specifically, gay and bisexual men have an elevated risk level for anal cancer.

At HEALOR™ in Las Vegas, NV, board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh understands the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community and is committed to providing a comprehensive array of health services designed specifically for LGBTQ+ patients. In this blog, you’ll find more information about why certain patients have a higher risk of developing anal cancer, how we screen for anal cancer, and what signs or symptoms may mean you should seek an evaluation.

Why are gay men more likely to get anal cancer?

While some patients may have no symptoms at all, most people with anal cancer develop one or more symptoms of the disease over time. These may include:

• Bleeding per rectum
• Pain in the rectum or anus
• Change in bowel habits
• Can’t control bowel movements
• Narrow stools
• Palpable lump near rectum

If you are having symptoms that are suspicious of anal cancer, particularly if you are in a high-risk group, like gay and bisexual males, schedule an appointment to be screened for anal cancer or HPV at your earliest convenience.

How do you test for anal cancer?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Singh will thoroughly discuss your symptoms and personal history, answer any questions you may have, and perform a physical evaluation. Based on these findings, Dr. Singh may recommend either a digital rectal exam (DRE), a Pap smear, or both be used to evaluate for the presence of HPV or anal cancer.

Is anal cancer curable?

With early detection and prompt treatment, most cases of anal cancer can be successfully treated. For this reason, it is critical that patients with an elevated risk for developing anal cancer seek routine evaluations, monitor any potential signs or symptoms of an HPV infection, and understand how to prevent the disease. Some things that high-risk patients can do to lower their risk of developing anal cancer include:

• Wear a condom
• Limit number of sexual partners
• Do not smoke
• Get the HPV vaccine (if eligible)
• Get screened for HPV and anal cancer

With these simple steps, even high-risk patients can greatly reduce their risk of developing anal cancer.

Protect yourself against HPV and anal cancer with LGBTQ+ care in Las Vegas, NV

At HEALOR™, our knowledgeable team is committed to helping all patients live a healthy and fulfilled life. By identifying and understanding personal risk factors and how to minimize them, patients can feel more confident about their health and safety. To learn more about your own risk factors for anal cancer, call to schedule your private consultation with board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh today.

Discover the Best Age to Start Gender Reaffirmation With HRT and take a step closer to your authentic self. Hormones are essential for both developing and maintaining characteristics related to gender. At HEALOR ™ transgender care clinic in Las Vegas, our compassionate team is pleased to offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help patients of all needs and backgrounds begin their gender reaffirmation journey. During this time, board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh believes it's important that you feel fully informed and prepared.

One common question people have about gender reassignment is when to start HRT. Some people say the best age to start is as early as 16, while others make the decision later in life. Because there are no set guidelines, the decision should be made with careful consideration of what would work best for you. If you want to know the pros and cons of HRT, call our Las Vegas, NV clinic for a discussion.

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy is the process of changing the hormone levels in your body. During treatment, estrogen or testosterone can be administered through injections, pills, or topically. This is performed for transgender individuals who would like to transition their physical appearance, so it better aligns with their gender identity.

For example, estrogen can be used for more feminine characteristics, like breast development, while testosterone is for more masculine traits like facial hair. In a gender reaffirmation consultation with the providers at HEALOR ™ transgender care clinic in Las Vegas, we can learn about your goals and create a personal treatment plan for hormone replacement. We're here to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Many of our patients want to learn the pros and cons of HRT at an early age. Here are some well-known benefits of hormone replacement in Las Vegas, NV:

• Breast development
• Fat redistribution
• Hair growth
• Alleviation of gender dysphoria
• More confidence

When should I start HRT?

There is some debate about what age to start hormone replacement therapy. Some people start at 16 because many medical professionals agree that the teenage years may be easier to transition through. By starting hormones during adolescence, transgender people can begin making immediate changes.

However, it's also normal for people to wait until later in life to begin their transition. If you aren't having difficulties with your assigned gender, then there's no need to rush into something that may be challenging or painful for you. At our clinic, we believe the best age is based on an individual's maturity and understanding of the process.

What if I'm unsure?

If you're still uncertain or hesitant about what age to start hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Singh and the trusted team at HEALOR ™ transgender care clinic in Las Vegas can answer your questions and guide you on the path to treatment. Whether we see you for an initial gender reaffirmation consultation or as a returning patient, our providers are here to support you. We're proud to have worked with many transgender people in their personal journeys.

Start when you’re ready

You may wonder if there's a "best age" to start hormone replacement therapy. If you're considering transitioning, the best time to start hormones is on your timeline. If you want more information about the pros and cons of HRT from a board-certified physician, call Dr. Raj Singh for a hormone assessment in Las Vegas, NV. The compassionate staff at HEALOR™ transgender care clinic is ready to get started with you.

What Should I Do If I Suspect I Have HIV, learn what steps to take for diagnosis, treatment, and support. Find resources and guidance for managing your health. HIV/AIDS treatment has progressed exponentially over the last few decades, with AIDS-related death rates continuing to decline across the globe. However, that does not mean that we are no longer at risk of becoming infected with HIV and/or transmitting HIV to another person. New HIV cases continue to be reported each year, with patients in the LGBTQ+ communities being at an increased risk of contracting the virus. At HEALOR™ in Las Vegas, NV, board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh is committed to helping patients take charge of their health by understanding how to decrease their HIV/AIDS risk factors and knowing what to do if they suspect they may have been exposed to HIV.

How do you get HIV?

HIV can be transmitted from person to person through sexual activity, contact with infected blood, sharing needles, and other methods. A mother can also pass HIV to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

What does HIV do?

Women who experience painful sex also have problems with lower libido and infrequent orgasms. A loss of libido may result from stress, depression, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications.

How do you know if you have HIV?

After exposure to HIV, when the virus has entered the body, patients may experience mild, flu-like symptoms that can last for up to a few weeks. However, these symptoms can closely mimic other conditions and, in some cases, go completely unnoticed. For this reason, it is essential that patients who suspect an HIV infection get tested. Without an HIV lab test, it is impossible to know with certainty if you are infected with HIV.

What should I do if I think I have HIV?

If you think you have been exposed to HIV, call your doctor and schedule an HIV test.

How soon after HIV exposure should you get tested?

If you believe that you were recently exposed to HIV, it may be too early for an HIV test to detect the exposure. On average, it takes about 4 – 6 weeks after exposure for an HIV test to provide accurate results. Even if you receive a negative HIV test after six weeks, your provider may recommend a repeat test at a subsequent date to ensure the initial test was not performed too early for detection.

How can I decrease my risk of getting HIV?

Some critical steps you can take to minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting HIV include:

• Use a condom during sexual activity
• Be selective with your sexual partners
• Limit your sexual partners
• Do not use injectable drugs
• Do not share needles
• Consider PEP or PrEP treatment

During your next appointment with Dr. Singh, don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have about a possible HIV exposure, a current HIV infection, the potential transmission of HIV, or any other topics of concern. Dr. Singh understands the sensitive and personal nature of living with HIV and is committed to helping his patients safeguard their health, minimize the risk of transmission, and continue to lead full, vibrant lives.

Knowledge is power when it comes to HIV prevention in Las Vegas, NV

By knowing what to do if you have HIV or suspect HIV, you can minimize your risk of developing AIDS and reduce the possibility of transmitting HIV to others. Not only that, but understanding your options for HIV treatment and prevention can help you feel more confident, positive, and empowered. To learn more about managing your HIV or getting tested for HIV in Las Vegas, NV, call HEALOR™ today to schedule your private consultation with board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are often denied the respect and compassionate services they deserve as human beings. Discover important resources and tips to prioritize Health and Well-being for the LGBTQIA Community. Now, it’s time to give our LGBT community the attention and care they need to not only survive in this world, but thrive — not just emotionally, but physically as well.

The Health of LGBT People

Gay individuals, lesbians, queer folks, bisexuals, and other members suffer from numerous health issues. The most notable ones are listed below. 

STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are most common among gay and bisexual individuals. The most prevalent types of STIs are syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Having STIs can heighten the risk of either getting or transmitting HIV. 

Mental Health Issues

Due to the treatment that this particular community has received, such as bullying, discrimination, and avoidance, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are more likely to develop mental health issues than heteronormative individuals.

Because of this, members of the LGBTQIA community are more prone to depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. 

Violence

History shows that the LGBT community experiences higher levels of violence than any other group. Whether it be in words or actions, LGBTQ people face unnecessary hate and hurt that trigger serious health concerns. 

Support the LGBTQIA Community

It’s not enough to recognize what the LGBTQ community is facing. We need to help them overcome these challenges and receive the healthcare they deserve. 

Fortunately, the government is taking action. But we also need to lend a helping hand and encourage the community to seek healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about their unique situation and can provide the support they need. 

Outside of professional assistance, we as a society need to advocate for acceptance and understanding so we can create a safe and healthy environment for those in the LGBTQIA+ community to thrive.

Questions about how Can Lesbian And Bisexual Women Prevent Cervical Cancer? All sexually active people are highly likely to contract the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point if they don’t have the HPV vaccine. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and consists of more than 200 viruses that can affect the skin and mucous membrane. While it is usually asymptomatic and resolves on its own, unresolved infections caused by certain subtypes can lead to warts on and around the genital area, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, or in some cases, cervical cancer.

At HEALOR™ in Las Vegas, NV, our double board-certified physician, Dr. Raj Singh, encourages patients in the LGBTQ+ community to prevent HPV by getting the HPV vaccine. Lesbian and bisexual women may be at a greater risk of getting cervical cancer because of HPV.

How is HPV spread?

It’s important to understand how HPV transmission works. HPV is spread through most forms of sexual activity, including anal, oral, or vaginal sex, and other close skin-to-skin touching.

Common HPV symptoms

During your visit to HEALOR™ in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Singh can explain the most common signs and symptoms of HPV. First, most men who get HPV don’t develop any symptoms. However, for women, HPV can be detected during a Pap smear by finding abnormal cells in the cervix. While a pap smear cannot test for cancer or HPV, it can notice abnormalities that may be caused by HPV. If you are experiencing anything new or unusual, such as lumps, sores, or warts, it’s important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Singh for a full evaluation.

HPV treatment

One of the most common concerns with patients with HPV is the amount of time it takes for it to go away. Ultimately, most infections will in fact go away on their own. While there is no cure for HPV, there are options available to treat the symptoms.

For female patients, Dr. Singh may recommend additional tests or treatment, including:

1. Colposcopy: This test looks at your cervix to detect precancerous cells.

2. Cryotherapy: This treatment will freeze and remove precancerous cervical cancer cells.

3. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): LEEP removes precancerous cells from a patient’s cervix through electrical currents.

Can HPV cause cancer?

HPV is not a form of cancer, but it can create certain changes in the body that may lead to cervical cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, or penile cancer. It’s important to have regular well-woman exams from Dr. Singh at HEALOR™ for noticeable changes that can lead to early detection. He proudly treats the LGBTQ+ community and offers STI/STD testing in Las Vegas, NV.

How Can Lesbian And Bisexual Women Prevent Cervical Cancer

If you want to lower your chances of getting HPV and HPV-related diseases, it’s best to get an HPV vaccine and to practice safe sex through the use of condoms. The HPV vaccine protects both men and women, and condoms will reduce your chance of getting STIs, including HPV. Condoms will not protect you 100% and can still infect the areas of the skin that aren’t covered.

What are some risk factors for getting HPV?

Dr. Singh has noticed some of his patients are more likely to contract HPV than others. Some risk factors for contracting HPV include:

• Not getting regular cervical cancer screenings
• Smoking
• A weakened immune system
• Having STDs in the past, including chlamydia
• Eating a poor diet
• Being overweight
• Long-term use of birth control
• IUD use
• Being younger than 17 at your first pregnancy
• Family history of cervical cancer

Learn how to protect your sexual health

Again, there is no cure for HPV, but you do have options to keep yourself healthy. Be sure to schedule your regular well-woman exams with Dr. Raj Singh at HEALOR™ LGBTQ center in Las Vegas, NV on a consistent basis so you can manage your sexual health effectively. He works directly with the LGBTQ+ community and offers HPV vaccines, STI/STD testing, and HIV testing. To schedule an appointment to learn more about how you can prevent contracting HPV, call our team today.

Questions about the best form of estradiol therapy for Feminizing hormone therapy?

Feminizing hormone therapy with Estrogen is a treatment that can be utilized to help alleviate the symptoms of gender dysphoria. Often it's combined with progesterone and testosterone blockers, which can help transition more smoothly

For some people, feminizing hormone therapy is an important part of their journey to authenticity. The goal for this type of treatment would typically be inducing physical changes that match gender identity and expression- like developing breasts or less facial hair.

For example:

Reduction in facial hair, most individuals will notice a decreased need to shave. For best results, we recommend laser hair removal or electrolysis. Laser hair removal may be the perfect solution for some individuals to reduce their need or desire in shaving. Laser treatments work by targeting and destroying hairs with high-energy light, while electrolysis uses an electric current that causes pores on your skin to strip away cells creating space between follicles causing them to die off over time.

The process of redistribution, or storing fat into different areas can cause a woman's figure to develop. Estrogen is what causes this change in shape because it increases the storage and development of body fats throughout your entire system - including breasts as well as hips. Here is a detailed article to address the development of breasts with hormone therapy

• Changes in voice pitch
• Prevention of male pattern baldness
• Decrease in the size of testis
• Skin becomes much softer

Before treatment can be started we require:

• Basic lab work. This includes CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel, hemoglobin A1c to exclude diabetes, TSH to test for thyroid problems
• Baseline hormone levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
• Established diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
• Informed consent

Dose versus duration:

Some providers are using much higher doses of estradiol therapy in an attempt to accelerate feminization. There is no data supporting this practice, however. The duration of hormones is an important factor to consider when it comes to physical changes. Hormone therapy can take up to 2 years before you start seeing maximal results, and those who use them for a long enough period will notice that their voice may change over time. We discourage the use of high doses and supraphysiological levels of estrogen as this can lead to significant side effects such as a risk increase in blood clots, cancers, anxiety/depression, and heart disease.

Potential side effects of feminization therapy

• Increased risk of blood clots such as DVT and pulmonary emboli
• Increase risk of elevated liver enzymes is thought to be secondary to fat deposits in the liver
• Increase risk of gallstones
• Hyperlipidemia
• Weight gain through increased fat storage deposits
• Symptoms of hypothyroidism such as cold feeling, constipation, fatigue. Estrogen tends to block the effect of thyroid hormone at the tissue level. TSH and thyroid hormone typically are normal

Best form of estradiol therapy for Feminizing hormone therapy

Estrogen:

This is the mainstay of Feminizing hormone therapy. Estradiol is a steroid sex hormone that is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands in biological females. Individuals who are overweight also tend to have a conversion of testosterone to estrogen in body fat by an enzyme called aromatase. Estrogen therapy also helps suppress the production of androgen such as testosterone.

Types of estrogen therapy

• Ethinyl estradiol: This is a synthetic version of estrogen, and is extremely potent. This estrogen is derived from horse urine and is found in commonly prescribed oral contraceptives. This type of Ethinyl estradiol is not recommended for feminization therapy as it has a very high rate of blood clots.
• Estradiol 2-4 mg in divided doses is most commonly prescribed due to affordability and predictable blood levels. Current smokers should be on a much lower dose to reduce the likelihood of developing blood clots.
• Transdermal patch of estradiol: This is a much safer version of estradiol, however, tends to be expensive and absorption from the skin is variable leading to inadequate levels. We do not use this type of estradiol in our practice
• Estradiol valerate: Typical dose is 5 to 30 mg IM every two weeks. We often do not use this therapy as it has been shown to accumulate in the body and can cause toxicity. There is also a concern of receptor desensitization from consistently elevated levels of estrogen
• Estradiol pellets: These are the size of a rice grain, are inserted in the fat layer in a quick 10-minute outpatient procedure, and slowly dissolve over several months. This is our preferred approach due to the use of bioidentical estradiol which tends to be much milder than synthetic versions of estrogen. This also eliminates the need to take tablets and injections. Since the pellets are slowly dissolved, this avoids the negative effects associated with estradiol injections. You can watch a video of the procedure here

Other useful tips

• Avoid cruciferous vegetables as they are naturally occurring estrogen blockers. Individuals with a very high intake of these vegetables such as broccoli, Kale, may require higher doses of estradiol therapy.
• Estrogen therapy should always be combined with progesterone. This may help reduce many side effects of estrogen therapy such as feelings of bloating, anxiety. Progesterone also binds to GABA receptors in the brain which may help with insomnia and anxiety.
• Avoid smoking as this can increase the risk of complications associated with estrogen therapy
• Do not take higher doses of estradiol as this can increase the risk of complications however does not help with the feminization process

Have more questions? Schedule a consultation with one of our licensed providers to get started.

At HEALOR™, Dr. Raj Singh helps his patients in the LGBTQ community to treat chronic or acute medical conditions that affect their daily lives. Many people believe they don’t need regular physical exams, especially when they feel they are in good health. However, many people live with chronic diseases and don’t even know it. Preventive care helps our team to address a health problem before it worsens and affects other systems of your body. We work diligently to help our patients throughout Las Vegas, NV to keep their health intact.

What is a health screening?

A health screening is a series of tests that look for diseases before a patient has symptoms. Screening tests help Dr. Singh to find diseases early when they're much easier to treat. You can get these screenings at HEALOR™ . Some conditions that we screen patients for at our Las Vegas, NV office include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Osteoporosis
• Prostate cancer in men
• Breast or cervical cancer in women
• STDs

Which tests you need will depend on your age, your gender, your family history, and if you have risk factors for certain diseases. LGBTQ health care is an important issue to Dr. Singh as he has helped countless patients in the community to resolve health problems they’re experiencing.

What do we do at a wellness check-up?

During an annual examination at HEALOR™ in Las Vegas, NV, we evaluate a patient’s health to detect health problems early on. During your wellness check-up, we:

• Update your medical records: At the beginning of your visit, we will want to know if any of your medication has changed, if your social habits have changed (alcohol, smoking, or sexual activity), if you’re experiencing mental health struggles, and if you have developed any new allergies.
• Assess your overall health: We evaluate your blood pressure and heart rate. We also may request blood tests, including those for cholesterol and blood glucose. We will look for any signs of pre-diabetes, diabetes, or high cholesterol. For older patients (women over 65 and men over 70), we may want to order a DEXA scan that checks for osteoporosis. These tests help us to identify underlying conditions that affect your overall health.
• Update vaccinations: Vaccines aren’t just for children. Adults need to make sure that their vaccines are up to date. Dr. Singh can review your vaccination history and risk factors during your exam to recommend immunizations, including HPV, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular), flu, shingles, Hepatitis B, or pneumonia.
• Screen for cancer: Routine cancer screenings increase your chance of detecting cancer in the early stages when we can treat it best. Dr. Singh will consider your age and risk factors to recommend cancer screenings, including breast, colon, cervical, lung, prostate, or skin cancers.

LGBTQ health risks

The LGBTQ community is more at risk for sexually-transmitted diseases, cancers, cardiovascular disease, suicide, mood disorders, substance abuse, and depression. This is why it’s so important for the community to have regular health screenings with Dr. Singh at HEALOR™. He is fully committed to LGBTQ mental health and providing professional help to patients who need it most.

Importance of preventive care

When you visit HEALOR™ for a regular health screening, you are making a decision to be responsible for your health. Rather than just treating something after it has developed or progressed, preventive care focuses on preventing disease or medical conditions from developing at all. Dr. Singh can make preventive care suggestions to patients, depending on their medical and family history, health, gender, and age.

Schedule regular health screenings for optimal health

When you want to make sure that your health is at its best, schedule a regular health screening at HEALOR™. Dr. Raj Singh can evaluate your entire health to ensure that your body is functioning well. To learn more about this important visit to our Las Vegas, NV office, call us today.

Ultimately, nearly all sexually active people in Las Vegas, NV, will get human papillomavirus (HPV) at some time in their life without the HPV vaccine. HPV is a group of more than 200 viruses that can infect the skin or mucous membranes. HPV infections typically are asymptomatic and resolve on their own; however, unresolved infections caused by certain subtypes can result in genital warts, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, and even cancer. At HEALOR™ , double board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh can help his patients to prevent HPV in women and men with the HPV vaccine.

Understanding HPV transmission

Knowing how HPV is spread is important. You can get HPV by having sex with someone who has HPV. This disease is spread easily during anal, oral, or vaginal sex as well as other close skin-to-skin touching during sex.

About HPV symptoms

Dr. Singh can explain the most common signs of HPV to his patients in Las Vegas, NV.

Most men who get HPV don’t ever develop symptoms. For women, HPV can be detected with a Pap test, which looks for abnormal cells in your cervix. While a PAP doesn’t test for cancer or HPV, it can notice these changes that most likely are caused by HPV. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Singh if you’re experiencing anything new and unusual, including lumps, sores, or warts.

HPV treatment

Many patients wonder how long it takes for HPV to go away. Ultimately, most infections go away on their own. Where there is no cure for the virus, there are treatment options available for the issues that HPV may cause patients at HEALOR™.

For our female patients, you may need additional tests or treatment, including:

1. Colposcopy: This procedure looks at the cervix to find precancerous cells.

2. Cryotherapy: This freezes and removes precancerous cervical cancer cells.

3. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): This removes precancerous cells from the cervix with electrical currents.

Can HPV cause cancer?

Yes. HPV itself isn’t cancer, but it can cause changes in your body that lead to cancer. Some of the most common cancers caused by HPV include; cervical cancer, penile cancer, oropharyngeal, and anal cancer. Your cancer will develop very slowly and may not be diagnosed for years. While there is no way to know who will have only a temporary HPV infection, it’s important to seek medical attention from a professional, such as Dr. Singh at HEALOR™. He proudly treats the LGBTQ community and offers STI/STD testing at his Las Vegas, NV office.

How can I lower my chance of getting HPV?

Two ways that you can lower your chances of getting HPV and HPV-related diseases are getting vaccinated and using condoms. The HPV vaccine protects men and women from STI. Condoms reduce your chance of getting STIs, including HPV. However, HPV can infect areas that aren’t covered with a condom, so it isn’t a foolproof way to prevent getting HPV.

Learn more about HPV and your sexual health

While there is no cure for HPV, there are plenty of things you can do to stay healthy. Regular exams with Dr. Raj Singh at HEALOR™ help you to manage your sexual health best. He works directly with the LGBTQ community throughout Las Vegas, NV, and offers HPV vaccines, STI/STD testing, and HIV testing too. To schedule an appointment to learn more about preventing HPV, call our professional team today.

Wondering When Will You See Results After Hormone Replacement Therapy

Transitioning is an important decision for many of our patients in Las Vegas, NV. When you’re interested in transitioning, hormone replacement therapy can help. During a consultation, you will meet with our knowledgeable double board-certified physician, Dr. Raj Singh, at HEALOR™ to learn more about LGBTQ health. He has worked with the LGBTQ community for a long time and has helped many begin their gender affirmation journey.

Gender dysphoria is the feeling that someone’s identity doesn’t match their biological sex. This can lead to depression, anxiety, discontentment, and even suicidal thoughts. Patients with gender dysphoria oftentimes choose to transition to their preferred gender. To do so, they must first learn if they are a candidate for hormone replacement therapy. We will evaluate if you’re healthy enough for treatment and run the necessary testing to help determine which hormones would work best for you.

What is transgender hormone therapy?

Transgender hormone therapy administers different hormones to patients to help them acquire the look of their preferred gender. At HEALOR™, Dr. Singh provides a safe space for patients receiving this transgender hormone therapy. Treatment varies from patient to patient. We administer hormones with pills, topical creams, or even by injection.

Dr. Singh can determine the proper method and dosage of hormones for each patient at his Las Vegas, NV office. Hormone replacement therapy results occur over time. We begin with low dosages to make sure your treatment is always safe. Many of our patients experience changes in their appearance about six months to a year after beginning transgender hormone therapy. During your visit to HEALOR Primary Care, we can discuss any possible side effects of hormone replacement therapy, so you are well aware of these possible changes.

FAQs about hormone replacement therapy

When you’re considering hormone replacement therapy in Las Vegas, you may have questions. Here we address some of the most commonly asked questions asked during consultations at HEALOR Primary Care, including:

1. Do I need a letter from a psychiatrist to start treatment?

Yes, we do require a letter of statement from a psychiatrist or counselor before you can begin your gender affirmation journey at HEALOR™.

2. When will I stop having my period?

Patients receiving hormone replacement therapy can expect cessation of their period after about six months.

3. What are some risks for transitioning?

During female to male transition, patients can experience male pattern baldness, increased red blood cell production, and elevated cholesterol or liver enzymes. For a male to female transition, some patients may experience elevated lipid levels, including triglycerides, an increased risk of developing breast cancer, and an increased chance of developing blood clots.

4. When will I start to see results after hormone replacement therapy?

This depends on which hormone you’re taking and your dosage. However, Dr. Singh expects you will start to notice some changes within a few months. For some patients on progesterone or estrogen at HEALOR Primary Care, they have seen changes in just two weeks.

Learn more about hormone replacement therapy in Las Vegas

At HEALOR™, we offer confidential care for the LGBTQ community. Dr. Raj Singh is experienced with hormone replacement therapy and can help his patients safely transition to their preferred gender. If you are experiencing gender dysphoria symptoms and want to learn more about transgender hormone therapy, call our Las Vegas, NV office to schedule a consultation.

How is HRT For Trans Men Different from Trans Women?

Choosing to undergo a female to male transition or a male to female transition is an important decision for many of our patients. If you’re considering transgender hormone therapy, experienced double board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh at HEALOR™ works with the LGBTQ community regularly to help them start their gender affirmation journey.

Gender dysphoria is a sense that someone’s identity doesn’t match their biological sex, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Many patients with gender dysphoria choose to transition to their preferred gender. During a consultation in Las Vegas, NV, men and women can learn if they’re candidates for transgender hormone therapy, a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We can discuss estrogen pills or testosterone injections with patients interested in HRT.

What is HRT?

Transgender hormone replacement therapy involves administering different hormones to help Las Vegas patients acquire the look of their preferred gender. At HEALOR™, Dr. Singh offers a safe space for patients receiving this therapy. Treatment varies from patient to patient. A transgender man may need testosterone, and a transgender female may need estrogen. We administer hormones in pill form, with topical creams, or by injection.

Dr. Singh is experienced with hormone replacement therapy and can determine the proper method and dosage for each patient. Results will occur over time. He usually starts with low dosages to make sure that treatment is as safe as possible. Many patients experience changes in their appearance in six months to a year after starting transgender hormone therapy.

Differences in symptoms for trans men and trans women

Each patient may experience different side effects of transgender hormone therapy. Some common physical effects during feminizing hormone therapy include:

• Softer skin
• Decreased erections
• Decreased libido
• Testicular atrophy
• Breast development
• Decreased muscle mass
• Redistribution of body fat
• Decreased facial and body hair growth

Some symptoms of masculinizing hormone therapy can include:

• Oilier skin and more acne
• Period cessation
• Facial and body hair growth
• Deeper voice
• Body fat redistribution
• Vaginal atrophy
• Clitoral enlargement
• Increased muscle mass
• Hair loss

During your visit to HEALOR™, Dr. Singh can discuss symptoms from hormone replacement therapy with his patients, so they know what to expect.

FAQs about transgender hormone therapy

When you’re considering transgender hormone therapy in Las Vegas, Dr. Singh can answer all of your questions before therapy begins. Some of the most frequently asked questions about hormone replacement therapy include:

Do I need a letter from a psychiatrist to start treatment?

Yes, we do require a letter of statement from a psychiatrist or counselor before you start HRT.

When will I stop having my period?

Patients on testosterone can expect cessation of menstrual periods in about six months.

What are some risks for a female to male transition?

Patients can experience male pattern baldness, an increase in red blood cell production, which increases your risk of stroke or heart disease, and elevated cholesterol and liver enzymes.

What are some risks for a male to female transition?

Patients can experience elevated lipid levels such as triglycerides, an increased risk of developing breast cancer, and an increased chance of developing blood clots.

Learn more about transgender hormone therapy in Las Vegas

At HEALOR™, we offer compassionate and confidential care for the LGBTQ community. Dr. Raj Singh understands HRT for transgender men and women and can safely help with this transition. When you want to learn more about transgender hormone therapy, call our Las Vegas, NV office to schedule a consultation to learn about the benefits of HRT.