Health Risks With Testosterone

[Jason C]

I know there are some health risks associated with taking testosterone, but I was wondering if they're because the body isn't 'meant' to have that much testosterone, or if it's just something that cis males have risks of, too? I mean, is it just what testosterone can do, regardless of whether it's naturally in your body at that level, or not?

[Nygeel]

It's more so things that men (or people with male-like testosterone levels) tend to have. Like my blood pressure and cholesterol problems.

[wheat thins are delicious]

It's more so things that men (or people with male-like testosterone levels) tend to have.

Yep.  You say "that much testosterone" as if trans men take testosterone in a way that make us have levels that are higher than cis men, when in actuality our levels are equal to those of cis men.

[Johnny Tristan]

We're all human, and hormones determine the sex of a person in the womb and appearance during puberty. With that being said, hormones effect us all the same whether you're transgender or cisgender. The risks are the same as a biological man, so naturally: higher blood pressure, cholesterol, slight more risk of cancer, heart disease, and liver complications. Plus, shortening your life span to the average male. The only negative effect that can happen, that's different for trans or cis males, is the risk of ovarian cancer. It's recommended that you get a hysterectomy. The sooner the better, but personally, I'm waiting since I want to find a way to store my "sperm".. 

[Jason C]

Yep.  You say "that much testosterone" as if trans men take testosterone in a way that make us have levels that are higher than cis men, when in actuality our levels are equal to those of cis men.

Well, I know they're the same levels, but I mean that I wasn't sure whether the health risks come from testosterone itself, or the fact that that level of testosterone isn't produced by our bodies. Like, if it's the increase in testosterone that causes it. But the answers say not. That makes sense, but seems kind of weird that an important hormone causes quite a few issues.

[aleon515]

I think it's more that both biological sexes have a few specific health needs and issues. Males tend to have more heart disease but women have other types of issues. We know women live longer, but we don't know specifically why. Still testosterone confers some benefits. For instance, there is less dementia in men ,and T is protective. T also allows you to build more muscle more easily. I think this may be a health advantage.

--Jay

[Jack_M]

There's no real health risks per say, it's just the same risks as cis males. I've been on T for 10 months and the confidence I've gained from being out and on T means I look after myself more. I eat healthier and I work out much more. So all the problems that could happen like increased cholesterol, blood pressure, etc, never happened to me and actually went the opposite way!  If you're healthy, you'll be fine. You'll just get to more male like levels and be at male level risks. The risks for an overweight male far outweigh the risk for an overweight female in terms of hormones. Testosterone changes fat distribution to the gut to give overweight males the apple shape whereas the vast majority of female blooded individuals develop more of a pear shaped or triangle shaped fat distribution which carries far less risk. So the risks tend to only be a concern if you're overweight. If you keep a healthy weight, you're likely to stay at healthy, albeit typical male levels in blood work, unless you have any other contributing health concerns or a family history of problems. 

Also the risks of cancer are grossly misleading and should be ignored for now. There's no evidence as there's a lack of any evidence to prove it; it's merely assumption! And they know what they say about those who assume: it makes an ass out of u and me! Lol.  However, issues can and do occur that would make hysterectomy preferable because of the cessation of menses. These are the real evidence based reasons. I just think it's ridiculous for cancer to be implied as a risk when it's unfounded and I consider it a scare tactic as unethical as suggesting vaccines cause autism!

[aleon515]

Jack might have said it better than I did, but it's that there are advantages and disadvantages in having an estrogen based system and advantages and disadvantages to have a T based system, and what we do in transition is give up an estrogen based system for a T based system, with pretty much all that entails.

I agree with Jack re: the cancer stuff. I think from what I have read there isn't much to this one.

--Jay

[james-felix]

My doc described it as having the exact same risks half the people in my family already have; that is, all the same ->-bleeped-<- associated with being a cis guy. In return, you get to get rid of a lot of the risks the other half has (at least, after a few surgeries).

[Daydreamer]

I'd like to think as long as you don't have a major family history of things like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain kinds of cancers (I heard blood cancers happen)--then you might be alright. But that's me liking to comfort myself, despite not knowing much of my family medical history.

[Ayden]

Like going on any medication there can be medical issues. I had crazy thick blood, elevated liver enzymes and all that jazz. But, as it turns out my T levels were double what genetic males have. I don't think the health risks are any worse than they are for any other guy though.

[aleon515]

I think a lot of trans guys are more aware of health issues. I'm seeing awareness you don't usually see until middle age really. But I think that's logical. We go into a testosterone based system with our eyes open (in most cases). Now I don't think that maybe younger cis women are really aware of risks having an estrogen based system, but I'd guess trans women are. It's that we know/told risks going in. I think it's good knowing what you're getting into, but it is possible to be overconcerned as well.


--Jay