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Effects of Estrogen-Based Hormone Therapy

Estrogen-based hormone therapy is medicine that can be used as part of your gender transition process. Some of the changes may be permanent while others may be reversible and go away when medication(s) are stopped.

Effect

Expected Onset

Expected Maximum Effect

Reversibility

Breast Growth

2-6 months

2-3 years

Permanent

Thinning/ Slowed Hair Growth: Face and Body

 6-12 months >3 years

Reversible

Softening of Skin and Decreased Oiliness

3-6 months

Unknown

Reversible

Body Fat Redistribution

 3-6 months

2-5 years

Reversible

Decreased Muscle Mass and Strength

 3-6 months

1-2 years

Reversible

Decreased Sex Drive

1-3 months

1-2 years

Reversible

Decreased Spontaneous Erections

1-3 months

3-6 months

Reversible

Less Firm Erections

Variable

Variable

Reversible

Decreased Sperm Production/ Reduced Fertility

 Variable Variable

Possibly Permanent

Decreased Testicular Volume (By 25-50%)

3-6 months

2-3 years

Likely Permanent

Cessation of Male Pattern Balding

No Regrowth, Loss stops 1-3 months

1-2 years

Reversible

 

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