‘Kung Gusto Mo Gumanda, Take the Risk!’: Motivations, Outcomes, and Risks of Using Self-prescribed Feminizing Hormone Therapy among Transpinays

• Main Authors: Dacillo, Bracie Allieah C., Nuevo, Nina Sandy V., Kaur, Jasmin, Aseremo, Justine Jinoel M., Jebulan, John Mark Angelo U.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2023
• Subjects: feminizing hormone therapy; transgender; transpinays; self-prescription; transitioning
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2023/paper_ghi/2; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1786/viewcontent/PP_GHI_Dacillo_Nuevo_Kaur_Aseremo_Jebulan___Bracie_Allieah_Dacillo.docx.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Self-prescribing hormone therapy is a widespread practice among trans women in the Philippines, primarily due to factors such as limited access to specialized healthcare, financial constraints, and language barriers. This study aimed to explore the motivations, outcomes, and risks associated with self-prescribed feminizing hormone therapy among transpinays. Qualitative interviews were conducted with four transpinays who had been using self-prescribed feminizing hormones for over a year. The recorded interviews were transcribed for coding, then related codes were grouped into themes. Participants reported using self-prescribed hormone therapy to achieve physical feminization and to feel more comfortable with their gender identity. They relied on social media for information and peer support, undergoing a trial-and-error process to find the right medication and dosage, often using injectables with the help of friends. Positive and negative physical changes and emotional well-being were reported, but participants also acknowledged potential health risks and social consequences. This study highlights the need to increase awareness of the issues transpinays face when using self-prescribed hormones and emphasizes the importance of medical practitioners recognizing the health concerns associated with this practice. Further research is necessary to investigate the experiences of self-prescribed hormone therapy among transpinays in various age groups and those who lack access to medical consultation.