This glossary covers a wide range of terms and abbreviations used by or when talking about folks in the Trans* community. Some of these words are outdated terms and others are very new. We are constantly creating new language to describe our life experiences and as such, there may be some terms missing from this glossary. If you would like to add a word to our glossary, please email equity@sa.ucsb.edu.
Hormone Blockers (aka: Puberty Blockers)
A form of hormone therapy used to temporarily stop the body from releasing sex hormones, effectively delaying the onset of puberty. Puberty blockers are sometimes used by trans and gender non-conforming youth to pause the development of secondary sex characteristics until the child is more solid in their gender identity or is able to start hormone replacement therapy. The benefits of hormone blockers may include improved mental health, decreased gender dysphoria, and, in some cases, eliminate the need for future surgeries. Not all transgender and gender non-conforming youth have their parents' support to access blockers. Some may choose not to take blockers. (Source: Mayo Clinic “Pubertal Blockers”)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The administration of synthetic sex hormones to create affirming changes to one’s body. There are two types of hormone therapy: Estrogen (feminizing hormones) which may decrease libido, increase breast growth, etc., and Testosterone (masculinizing hormones) which may increase facial/body hair, deepen one’s voice, etc. HRT is used by many people who have hormone imbalances, decreased sex hormone production (e.g. menopause), or gender dysphoria. Hormone replacement therapy can affirm one’s gender identity, decrease feelings of dysphoria, increase safety, and improve mental health. Individuals should consult their doctors before undergoing HRT. Not all transgender and gender non-conforming individuals choose to undergo hormone therapy. All individuals are valid in their transition process. (Source: NIH “Terms and Definitions”)
Hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus. This procedure may also involve the removal of other parts of the reproductive system including the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. A hysterectomy may be performed on trans and gender non-conforming AFAB individuals to decrease dysphoria, stop one’s menstrual cycle, prevent pregnancy, or as part of a vaginectomy.