U.S. Sex Reassignment Hormone Therapy Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Gender Transition (Male-To-Female, Female-To-Male), By Type (Puberty Blockers, Estrogen), By Distribution Channel, And Segment- Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Regional Outlook and Forecasts, 2023-2032

The U.S. sex reassignment hormone therapy market size was estimated at USD 2.60 billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass around USD 3.87 billion by 2032 and poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.06% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

Key Takeaways:

• The male-to-female segment dominated the market in 2022 with a share of 53.8% and is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period.
• The estrogen segment dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue share of 42.6%.
• The retail pharmacies segment dominated with a revenue share of 57.12% in 2022.
• The other segment comprises online platforms offering online distribution of sex reassignment hormone therapy products and is anticipated to grow fastest at a CAGR of 5.84% from 2023 to 2032.

U.S. Sex Reassignment Hormone Therapy Market Report Scope

The market growth is attributed to the increasing efforts by key market players in developing highly efficient novel hormone therapy coupled with rising awareness regarding the benefits associated with adopting sex reassignment hormone therapies. Moreover, increasing government support through awareness programs and policies is anticipated to drive the market over the forecast period.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the market, resulting in decreased sex reassignment hormone therapies. Insufficient healthcare access has resulted in health disparities among transgender communities. Furthermore, disruptions in the healthcare sector and increased financial disparities have challenged market growth. However, an increasing number of healthcare specialists are connecting and consulting patients via telehealth platforms, supporting the market growth amid the pandemic.

Increasing R&D efforts focus on exploring new hormonal therapies that can enhance the effectiveness and customization of treatment. This includes investigating different formulations, delivery methods, and dosing regimens to optimize the desired changes and minimize potential side effects. For instance, in January 2022, Endo International plc announced data from a population Pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling and simulation study, which examined the possibility of flexible dosing for AVEED (testosterone undecanoate) in men with hypogonadism, thereby helping in sex reassignment treatments.

Moreover, the lack of reimbursement for sex reassignment drugs is a significant factor restraining the overall market growth. Despite the importance of hormone therapy in gender transition, insurance coverage for sex reassignment drugs can be limited or nonexistent, leaving individuals to bear the financial burden themselves. Many transgender individuals face barriers when it comes to obtaining coverage for these necessary medications.

However, the presence of government support in the form of initiatives is anticipated the drive the demand for sex reassignment therapy over the forecast period. For instance, the president of the U.S. proclaimed 31 March 2023 as Transgender Day of Visibility. This government initiative is anticipated to uplift the lives of transgender communities. Thus, the step taken by the government is anticipated to drive the demand for sex reassignment hormone therapy market in the region over the forecast period.

Gender Transition Insights

Based on gender transition, the market is segmented into male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM). The male-to-female segment dominated the market in 2022 with a share of 53.8% and is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period owing to the increasing awareness regarding the therapies and the presence of advanced hormone therapies in the U.S. According to a study published by NCBI, the individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria are estimated to be 460 per 100, 000 with a high prevalence of male to female individuals. The increasing male-to-female population is driving the market growth.

Furthermore, according to a study published by the Journal of Internal Medicine in January 2022, the population-based gender incongruence range for birth-assigned males is between 0.5% to 1.3%. The aforementioned factor, coupled with technological advancements in sex reassignment hormone therapies, is anticipated to drive segment growth over the forecast period.

Type Insights

Based on type, the market is segmented into puberty blockers, estrogen, and testosterone. The estrogen segment dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue share of 42.6%. Estrogen drugs are the primary hormone treatment for transwomen seeking sex reassignment. The prescription of estrogens to transgender women or trans feminine individuals (MTF) follows a similar approach to hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women, albeit with slightly higher doses.

Testosterone is another lucrative segment in the market. It is commonly used to induce masculinizing effects in transgender men. The availability of a wide range of product forms as per individual compatibility increases product adoption in the space.

Distribution Channel Insights

Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and others. The retail pharmacies segment dominated with a revenue share of 57.12% in 2022. The segment growth is attributed to the rising awareness regarding the availability of hormone therapy products coupled with the convenience and accessibility of retail pharmacies, making it easier for individuals to access hormone therapy prescriptions and related medications.

The other segment comprises online platforms offering online distribution of sex reassignment hormone therapy products and is anticipated to grow fastest at a CAGR of 5.84% from 2023 to 2032. This growth is attributed to increased internet accessibility, advancements in telemedicine, and changing attitudes toward seeking medical advice and treatments online.

Moreover, the convenience and privacy offered by online platforms may make them appealing to individuals seeking sex reassignment hormone therapy. Additionally, online platforms provide access to specialized healthcare providers who may not be geographically accessible to certain individuals. The aforementioned factors are anticipated to drive segment growth over the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Major players are adopting various strategies such as new product launches, acquisitions, partnerships, collaborations, and expansions to enhance their product penetration and expand their customer base. For instance, Pfizer Inc. recently announced in June 2023 that DUAVEE (conjugated estrogens) is back in stock in the U.S., featuring improved packaging, following a voluntary recall. The company clarified that the recall was solely related to packaging concerns and did not stem from any efficacy or safety issues with the product. Some prominent players in the U.S. sex reassignment hormone therapy market include:

• Viatris Inc.
• AbbVie Inc.
• ASCEND Therapeutics US, LLC.
• Pfizer Inc.
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Novartis AG
• Endo International plc

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2032. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the U.S. Sex Reassignment Hormone Therapy market.

By Gender Transition 

• Male-To-Female (MTF)
• Female-To-Male (FTM)

By Type 

• Puberty Blockers
• Estrogen
• Testosterone

By Distribution Channel 

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Others