Transgender men can potentially experience pregnancy even while undergoing testosterone hormone therapy.

Transgender men can potentially experience pregnancy even while undergoing testosterone hormone therapy.

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New research has brought to light the potential danger of pregnancy for transmasculine men despite being on testosterone therapy. The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, showed that around one-third of the participants were still able to ovulate and could potentially become pregnant even while taking testosterone.

This study sheds light on a previously neglected aspect of hormone therapy for transgender individuals. Despite halting their menstrual cycles through gender-affirming hormone therapy, participants were still able to ovulate, as shown by the results of the study.

It was previously believed that once menstruation stops due to testosterone therapy, ovulation also ceases. However, this study challenged that assumption by presenting evidence that some trans men continue to ovulate even after their periods have stopped.

All participants in the study had been on testosterone therapy for a significant amount of time and had not experienced a period for at least a year before undergoing an oophorectomy (ovary removal surgery). The removed ovaries were then examined for signs of ovulation.

The study found that a considerable number of the ovaries showed evidence of ovulation, such as the presence of corpus luteum – fluid-filled sacs where eggs develop. This is significant as corpus luteum produce hormones that support pregnancy.

Around 33% of the participants’ ovaries showed signs of ovulation, regardless of the duration of testosterone therapy, their testosterone levels, or the method of hormone administration (gel or injection).

Previous studies have also indicated the likelihood of pregnancy in trans men on testosterone therapy. A 2020 study found that seven out of 20 transgender men experienced temporary rises in progesterone levels in their urine after ovulating, indicating the occurrence of ovulation.

Joyce Asseler, a doctoral candidate and co-senior author of the study, stressed the need for awareness about the potential risks of pregnancy for transmasculine individuals undergoing testosterone therapy. She highlighted the significant physical and mental impact of an unplanned pregnancy and urged healthcare providers to take a proactive approach in addressing this risk.

For transmasculine individuals who desire to get pregnant, discontinuing testosterone therapy is an option. However, it is essential for both individuals and healthcare providers to be aware of the risks associated with ovulation during testosterone therapy and take appropriate precautions.

In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity of hormone therapy for transgender individuals and the need for a holistic approach to their reproductive health. By educating and providing informed care, healthcare providers can better support the specific needs of transmasculine individuals on hormone therapy.

testosterone therapy