Long-term health risks of exogenous estrogen for male bodies
Detransitioned men who took estrogen report several serious, often under-discussed dangers:
- Irreversible reproductive damage – HeavenlyMelody91 notes estrogen with testosterone suppression “causes irreversible damage after enough time to the male gonads and genitalia.”
- Sharply rising cardiovascular risk – ConnectPen warns that “the risks spike at a 7-year mark” for stroke and heart attack, comparing long-term use to “taking chemo for a benign tumor.”
- Systemic organ harm – throwawayforthebestk lists liver damage, thyroid problems, blood clots, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, bleeding issues, and increased cancer risk.
- Breast-cancer elevation – Developing breast tissue “greatly increases the odds of getting breast cancer,” and the male body “lacks certain functions the female body has,” making the hormone “more foreign.”
- Emerging evidence of brain and vascular injury – Mahoganysss cites studies showing “brain damage” and “higher risk of cardiovascular issues (heart attacks, strokes).”
Large-scale data (Kaiser Permanente review of ~5,000 trans women over eight years) confirms higher rates of stroke, blood clots, and heart attack versus matched cisgender controls. Detransitioners emphasize these risks are frequently minimized or omitted in transgender healthcare discussions.