Gender-affirming Hormone Therapy
Important Update to Gender-Affirming Pediatric Care Services
Updated: July 18, 2025
UChicago Medicine has reached the difficult decision that in response to continued federal actions, it will discontinue all gender-affirming pediatric care effective immediately. We understand that this news will have a significant impact on our patients.
We reached this conclusion in light of emerging federal actions which would place at risk our ability to care for all Medicare or Medicaid patients. These patients make up the majority of those we serve. As the largest Medicaid provider in Illinois, this step is necessary to ensure UChicago Medicine can continue serving our broader community and delivering on our mission.
Our focus right now is working with affected patients to discuss options going forward.
At UChicago Medicine, we understand that gender transition is a very personal process for transgender and gender expansive people. Our endocrinologists (hormone specialists) can provide safe, effective gender-affirming hormone therapy to help patients reach their goals.
When you come to UChicago Medicine, our team will talk with you about your options and can work with you to make a personal treatment plan based on your needs. We follow guidelines from the Endocrine Society and the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) on using these medications properly and safely. More information is available in our Transgender Health section.
Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
At the University of Chicago Medicine Gender Clinic, we offer feminizing hormone therapy and masculinizing hormone therapy.
Feminizing hormone therapy causes physical, emotional and sexual changes. Some of the first changes that happen include skin softening, changes in body fat distribution and a lower strength and sex drive. Growth of a small amount of breast tissue may be a permanent effect of feminizing hormone therapy. Some body hair will thin out and also grow at a slower rate.
Masculinizing hormone therapy can lead to permanent effects that include more hair growth, a deeper voice and enlargement of the clitoris. Some changes that may be reversible are in body fat distribution (the amount and location of fat around the body) and an increase in muscle mass. The amount of change will depend on things like genetics, diet and exercise.