Some gender-affirming medications are given by injections and it can be hard to find someone to administer these safely for you. GenderGP has an alternative in the form of a nasal spray.
Nasal sprays are an ideal solution as an alternative in cases where administration is a challenge, or a needle phobia exists. While awareness around nasal sprays is increasing (over recent years we have seen their use in administering the flu vaccine among young people), as a method of delivery they are still relatively unknown and therefore not as widely used or evaluated.
Their use in conditions such as endometriosis is well-known and evaluated, but their use in the suppression of puberty in trans patients is less well tested. However, there is no evidence to suggest that they are not a viable alternative to injections.
The spray is given twice a day, with a blood test being carried out after four weeks to ensure that hormones are being suppressed. Three-monthly blood testing, then enables us to monitor that they are working effectively.
We can prescribe two options: Suprafect and Synarel. Synarel has a longer shelf life (four weeks) but there are occasional supply issues. Please ask the team for more information. Either of these nasal sprays can be used to replace your current blocker (Decapeptyl, Spironolactone, Cyproterone or Bicalutamide). For trans feminine people using finasteride for prevention of male pattern hair loss, this can be continued alongside the nasal spray at 1mg a day.
You can get in touch with us here to add a nasal spray to your treatment plan.