Description of drugs prescribed for hormone therapy in specialized health services for transsexual and transvestite persons in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2020

Abstract

Objective: To describe the drugs prescribed for hormone treatment as part of the transsexualization process in health facilities providing specialized care for transsexual and transvestite persons in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive study based on data collected in health facilities between May and September 2020 using the instrument developed by the researchers. Results: The survey covered all seven services in the state. Antiandrogen drugs and spironolactone were prescribed for transsexuals and transvestites women in all services. Only one service did not prescribe cyproterone. All health facilities prescribed estrogenbased drugs, although with differences in the route of administration. In the case of transsexuals men, all services prescribed androgens to be administered via the intramuscular route. Conclusion: The study indicates which drugs are prescribed and their diversity, ratifying the need to produce information for the implementation of equity policies in the Brazilian National Health System.