For many trans folks, hormone replacement therapy is one of the most significant steps in their transition — and one of the hardest to access in their home country. Long waiting lists, gatekeeping, and inconsistent monitoring mean that many patients arrive in Thailand not just for surgery, but specifically to get proper HRT care.
This guide explains exactly how the HRT program at APS works for international patients — whether you’re coming for surgery or not.
Two Ways to Access our APS HRT Program — With Surgery or Without
HRT Program With Surgery
This is the most common and convenient pathway. If you’re having vaginoplasty or another gender-affirming procedure at APS, you can consult with our hormone doctor 1–2 weeks after your surgery during your hotel recovery period. The doctor will assess your current situation, run any relevant blood tests, write your prescription, and you can purchase as much medication as you need to take home — typically 1–2 years’ supply. There is no additional trip required, no shipping, and no waiting.
HRT Program Without Surgery
This is also possible at APS, but requires additional steps. Before your first consultation, you’ll need to complete two mandatory Thai online psychiatric evaluations to confirm gender dysphoria. Once these are completed and you pass, you can schedule an online consultation with our hormone doctor. Follow-up consultations happen every 3–6 months online to review your bloodwork and adjust your dosage as needed.
The key limitation: we cannot ship medication internationally. This means you’ll need to either come to Thailand in person to collect your prescription and medication, or ask someone traveling to Thailand to collect it on your behalf.
What Medications Are Typically Prescribed?
Prescriptions vary by individual — your hormone doctor will assess your current levels, history, and goals before recommending a protocol. Common prescriptions for MTF patients include:
- Oestrogel (estradiol gel)
- Androcur (cyproterone acetate)
- Progynova (estradiol valerate)
Exact medications and doses are always personalised. The hormone doctor will also review any medications you’re currently self-administering if applicable, without judgment.
What Does HRT Cost in Thailand?
Medication prices in Thailand are significantly lower than in most Western countries and vary slightly month to month. As a rough guide based on a common prescription:
- Oestrogel: approximately ฿295 per box (one box lasts ~26 days at 3 pumps/day)
- Androcur 50mg: approximately ฿640 per box of 10 tablets (one box lasts ~40 days at ¼ tablet/day)
At this prescription, a full year of medication costs approximately ฿9,865 (~฿822/month). This is a worked example only — your prescription may differ.
Price for the hormone consultation itself can be found on our HRT Program page here.
Do I Need a Psychiatric Evaluation to Get HRT in Thailand?
For HRT-only patients (no surgery), yes — two independent online psychiatric evaluations are required before you can consult the hormone doctor. These evaluations are conducted by Thai-licensed psychiatrists who are not affiliated with APS, ensuring a fully independent assessment. They are scheduled early in the process so you get clarity quickly.
Evaluation costs: ฿6,000 for English-speaking patients, ฿12,000 if an interpreter is needed.
If you are coming for vaginoplasty surgery at APS, these evaluations are already included in your surgery price and serve double duty — confirming your candidacy for both surgery and HRT.
FAQs
Yes — APS offers HRT consultations for patients who are not having surgery. You’ll need to complete two psychiatric evaluations first and then consult with our hormone doctor online. Medication must be collected in person in Thailand.
No — we are not able to ship medication internationally. Most patients purchase a 1–2 year supply in person during their visit and take it home in their luggage.
Yes — patients are typically advised to pause their HRT prescription for four weeks before surgery to reduce blood clot risk. Your hormone doctor will guide you on the right timeline for your specific protocol.
Yes — if you have not yet started HRT, APS’s hormone doctor can initiate your protocol from scratch. She will assess your baseline hormone levels, health history, and goals before recommending a starting dose.
Follow-up consultations happen online every 3–6 months. You’ll have your hormone levels tested locally and share the results with our hormone doctor, who will review them and adjust your prescription as needed.
Interested in HRT at APS — whether alongside surgery or on its own? Get in touch and we’ll walk you through the process and next steps.