What are the side effects/risks of taking hormones?

What are the side effects/risks of taking hormones?

The side effects of hormones are the same effects experienced by people who produce this hormone naturally every day.  For example:
  • If you're taking testosterone, then you have the risk profile and effects experienced by a person assigned male at birth (e.g. male pattern baldness, increased risk for heart disease or diabetes, slightly lower life expectancy, etc.)
  • If you're taking estrogen, you have the risk profile and effects experienced by a person assigned female at birth (e.g. increased risk of breast cancer and blood clots, change in weight distribution, etc.)
So, the "side effects" of hormone therapy are exactly the "effects" of hormones.

    • Related Articles

    • What are the risks of GnRHa blockers?

      The risks aren't of taking blockers, the risks are the effects of not having hormones. Hormones are essential for many aspects of health. To leave someone without hormones for a prolonged period will cause issues. For comparison, if a cisgender child ...

    • What are the side effects of puberty blockers?

      The side effects are usually associated with the lack of sex hormones that is achieved, so symptoms in common with the menopause such as hot flushes are common but subside quite quickly.

    • When should a young person start taking hormones?

      A young person can start taking hormones whenever they are ready. Let them guide you, but to leave a trans child in a state of prepuberty for a long part of their teenage years isn't natural.

    • What happens if I think I am having side effects from my medication?

      Our Knowledge Base lists the side effects of all the gender-affirming medication so you can immediately see whether the symptoms you're having might be due to the medication you're taking. You can then decide whether to stop or continue. Luckily, ...

    • Do I need to stop taking hormones before I have surgery?

      There's no evidence that there is any need to stop taking hormone treatment before having surgery. However, if your surgeon stipulates that they'd like you to stop taking hormones ahead of surgery, we recommend you follow their advice. More info: ...