Will testosterone stop my periods?
Yes, one of the effects of testosterone masculinising therapy is menstrual suppression. Most people find that their periods stop within 1–6 months of starting testosterone therapy, depending on the dose and individual response. However, it’s important to monitor any bleeding patterns, especially in the first few months.
What can I do to ensure complete menstrual suppression on testosterone?
If your periods have not stopped after several months on testosterone, you may need to adjust your dose or consider other medication like puberty blockers. Full ovarian suppression is typically achieved with higher doses of testosterone or with certain forms of administration. Don’t forget to regularly monitor your hormone levels to ensure you are receiving the appropriate dose for your body and goals.
What does it mean if my bleeding persists despite testosterone therapy?
Persistent bleeding may indicate that your body is not fully suppressing ovarian activity. This could happen if your testosterone dose is too low or if your current preparation is not fully effective. If bleeding persists, you should ask about increasing your dose or changing the form of testosterone (e.g., switching from gel to injections). Achieving full menstrual suppression usually implies complete ovarian suppression.
Is bleeding while on testosterone harmful?
In most cases, irregular bleeding during the early stages of testosterone therapy is normal and not harmful. However, if bleeding is heavy, painful, or persistent, it’s essential to investigate further to rule out any other causes.
Always consult your doctor if you have concerns about bleeding or your menstrual cycle even if you are on testosterone and ensure that they do not unnecessarily blame your masculinisation therapy.
What should I do if I continue to experience bleeding while on testosterone?
Some spotting or irregular bleeding may occur early in testosterone therapy, but if persistent bleeding continues after the initial months, it’s important to rule out other medical causes. You should make sure you’re up to date with STI screening and cervical screening (if applicable). If there are no underlying causes, you can ask about increasing your testosterone dose or switching to a different preparation.
Why should I get an STI and cervical screen if I’m bleeding?
Bleeding while on testosterone can sometimes be a sign of an infection or another underlying condition. An STI screen ensures that there are no infections contributing to the bleeding. Similarly, cervical screening checks for abnormalities in the cervix that could cause bleeding, particularly if you still have a cervix. Both screenings are important for your overall health and well-being, regardless of testosterone therapy.