Transgender Teen Survival Guide

Asked by Anonymous

Ren says:

• Since your liver processes E, increased potential for liver disease (easily avoided if you avoid alcohol and avoid other drugs processed through the liver as much as possible)
• Increased risk of blood clots (medically called “thrombosis”)
• Increased risk of diabetes
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Increased risk of gallstones
• Might increase risk of breast cancer, but there are really no studies of this with trans women
• Possible chronic side effects can include higher blood pressure and more frequent headaches / migraine
• Spiro can cause lower blood pressure and potential arrythmia (off-rhythm heartbeat)

Spiro also sometimes interacts with other medications in less-than-excellent ways, and it’s a diuretic, so if you have pre-existing kidney problems, that could be tricky to navigate.

Lee says:

Also check out Risks Associated With Hormone Use for more info on the risks!

It all sounds scary, but talking to the person who would prescribes your hormones at your initial appointment or consultation might help you understand what the actual chances are of something happening, and what you can do to manage the risk and stay healthy.