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Side effects of stopping hormones

Stopping cross-sex hormones leads to a reorientation of hormone balance.

General

Stopping cross-sex hormones leads to a reorientation of hormone balance. In people who have not undergone orchiectomy or oophorectomy, the gonads usually resume production of their own sex hormones — although this can be slow and not always complete.

Effects

Known effects of stopping hormones are mood symptoms, fatigue, libido changes, hot flushes and — with prolonged absence of hormones — risk of reduced bone density. Body characteristics that were altered by earlier hormone treatment (voice, beard growth, breast growth) persist partly or fully.

Guidance

Medical guidance is important during detransition, with attention to gradual tapering, hormone substitution where needed (for example after gonad removal) and monitoring of bone density and cardiovascular risks.