Explainer: What is HRT therapy through which former cricketer Sanjay Bangar’s son changed his/her gender?

Aryan Bangar, son of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, is in the headlines. Aryan has introduced herself as a transgender woman after undergoing a sex change procedure, called hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). The 23-year-old cricketer will now be known as ‘Anya Bangar’. Anya Bangar is a left-handed batsman who plays cricket for Islam Gymkhana. Sometimes his/her father also used to play for this club. Anya shared her transition journey on social media and also discussed the major challenges she faced as a transgender athlete. However, Anya later deleted the post in which she had mentioned her 10-month journey in detail. So what is Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT), how is it done? Understand this..

What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that is used when the body cannot produce enough hormones. This therapy is used for many conditions. Such as growth hormone disorders, thyroid problems, menopause, and gender transition related issues. Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) is used to change a person’s gender.

How is this therapy done?
There are two types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – female or male, which can be used to determine a person’s gender. Talking about Anya Bangar, Feminine Hormone Therapy (FHT) has been used in her case to develop soft skin and breast tissue. And the growth of muscles and facial hair can be prevented. Therapy uses estrogen and antiandrogens, which can be taken alone or in combination with other gender-affirming therapies. Where estrogen promotes soft skin, fat on hips, breast development. Antiandrogen therapy blocks testosterone production, reducing muscle mass, sexual desire (libido), spontaneous erections, small testicles, and slowing facial and body hair growth.

The treatment duration of HRT may vary according to the needs of each individual. The effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) become visible within a few weeks. However, it may take up to six months for the full effect to appear. In some cases it also takes 18 to 24 months. Doctors say that HRT experts decide the duration of treatment for each person considering his/her needs and many other factors.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of this therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is an effective medical procedure and is popular worldwide. Improves physical and sexual health. However, there are many risks in this also. This therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism, infertility, high potassium, hypertriglyceridemia, weight gain, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, meningioma, excessive urination, dehydration, gallstones, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, osteopenia, and hyperprolactinemia. The danger may increase. If we talk about its benefits, once the gender is decided, the person feels confident. he/she feels inner strength.

What experience did Anya Bangar write about?
According to Anya Bangar, she felt weakness after hormone replacement therapy (HRT). She wrote, ‘As a trans woman, my body changed drastically after hormone replacement therapy (HRT). My muscles were almost gone. Strength also decreased and many athletic abilities were lost. The game that I have loved for so long is going away from me..’ Anya Bangar said that there are no proper rules for trans women in cricket, forcing her to leave cricket because The system has not been able to keep pace with their reality.

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