Is it safe to take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Switching your hormone profile from one to the other is surprisingly safe. If you're switching to an estrogen profile, you'll have the same chance of developing illnesses that someone who was assigned female at birth will have. If you're switching to a testosterone profile, you'll have the same risks as someone who has testicles.
The hormones are what we call bioidentical. This means they're identical to the ones your body would have produced if you'd been born with testicles or ovaries.
If you've been told that you should switch off your hormone production because you've had breast or prostate cancer, you need to think very carefully about the risks of taking hormones before you do. Similarly, people who have a history of or risk factors for blood clots or heart disease will incur the same risk that occurs with their new hormone profile.
So switching to testosterone will increase your risk of heart attack and stroke because men have a higher risk of this because of their hormone profile.
Related Articles
What is the process for getting a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescription?
1. Submit a Treatment Recommendation request form, providing us with your personal details, medical history, and preferences. You can also advise us as to how you’d like to receive your prescription (i.e. if you’d like us to refer you to an ...
What do I need to do before I start hormone therapy?
Hormone treatment can be started once you have thoroughly thought out what you want to achieve from the therapy, understanding both potential consequences and potential benefits along with how they relate to your goals. Considerations may include ...
I have other health problems. Does this mean I can’t have hormone treatment?
A history of liver, heart, or blood clotting problems (in you or your family) doesn't preclude you from accessing hormones. It does, however, mean that your case may require additional monitoring. For more information about your particular health ...
How long does it take to get a Treatment Recommendation from GenderGP?
Technically, the Treatment Recommendation is generated immediately after you provide your information and preferences. However, you'll need to complete all required steps (i.e. the Information Gathering Session, paying your fees, and submitting any ...
How can I take things slowly?
Many people want to take things slowly for whatever reason, and that's absolutely fine. You can start on a small dose of hormones, with or without a blocker. But remember that our bodies do need hormones so if you are blocking your natural hormone ...