Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Amy85 on November 13, 2015, 02:50:39 AM Return to Full Version

Title: Does low dose HRT affect fertility?
Post by: Amy85 on November 13, 2015, 02:50:39 AM
...or is there any other form/dosage of HRT that doesn't negatively affect fertility? I want to start a good sized family over the next decade of my life but I'm struggling with dysphoria pretty often. If there was something to help me feel a bit more at ease that would be wonderful.
Title: Re: Does low dose HRT affect fertility?
Post by: Jenna Marie on November 13, 2015, 07:24:45 AM
I was on low-dose HRT and ended up totally infertile (it was confirmed by pathologist's report when my testicles were removed that they were completely nonfunctional). As far as I know, it's always a risk, though as with everything it varies from person to person - there are people who've made kids after years and years of high dose, too. :)
Title: Re: Does low dose HRT affect fertility?
Post by: thegirlinblue on November 13, 2015, 02:20:38 PM
Quote from: Jenna Marie on November 13, 2015, 07:24:45 AM
I was on low-dose HRT and ended up totally infertile (it was confirmed by pathologist's report when my testicles were removed that they were completely nonfunctional). As far as I know, it's always a risk, though as with everything it varies from person to person - there are people who've made kids after years and years of high dose, too. :)

Jenna Marie did you come off HRT for more than three months before having your tesitcles removed?

I only ask, because it seems to be a common myth that HRT causes complete infertility. Where in actual fact for many trans women if they were to stop HRT for long enough for sperm to mature, you may see your fertility return. As always it different for everyone.

I am currently testing this theory, and will be posting my experience here: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,198520.0.html
Title: Re: Does low dose HRT affect fertility?
Post by: Jenna Marie on November 13, 2015, 05:29:12 PM
thegirlinblue : No, so I suppose anything is possible. But it was the pathologist's opinion that they were effectively dead/unrecoverable. That is to say, not capable of producing T again, much less sperm. It may have been an atypical result, I don't know.

Obviously I hope it works out for you!
Title: Re: Does low dose HRT affect fertility?
Post by: HughE on November 17, 2015, 04:37:51 PM
Quote from: Amy85 on November 13, 2015, 02:50:39 AM
...or is there any other form/dosage of HRT that doesn't negatively affect fertility? I want to start a good sized family over the next decade of my life but I'm struggling with dysphoria pretty often. If there was something to help me feel a bit more at ease that would be wonderful.
My suggestion would be to bank some sperm prior to starting on hormones. Once frozen, sperm last for quite a few years (I think 12 years is the limit for legal reasons, although it probably remains viable for a lot longer than that).