5mo ago

How long until testicular atrophy is irreversible?

Does anyone know how long (if it happens at all) are testicules irreversibly atrophied from HRT? Basically I'm scared that if I stop HRT they'll just go back to working the way they always have and I'm hoping that they won't.

I've been on HRT mono therapy for a year now and my testosterone has been nearly totally suppressed for the whole time, so I wonder if the girls are done for essentially...

13 comments

- Welp, that's terrifying. I'm planning to get an orchiectomy as soon as possible but it's expensive (I'm a student) And the waiting lists can be a bit long.
  Hopefully my estrogen supply never cuts off ;(
  
  If you don't already, switch to injections and ask for the Rx to provide a new vial once a month for sanitation reasons, then try to use the vials more than just a month and stockpile the extra vials. Even if you aren't intending to stockpile, this is just a good idea in case one of your vials is contaminated or is cored.
  
  DIY is cheap and pharma grade and you can buy an 18 month supply upfront for like 70 usd
- If you just end up going off titty skittles for a couple months, you’re probably fine.
  Want to emphasize this part. T levels take a long time to rise. (citation needed, not a doctor)
I don't think there is such a thing, unfortunately. I think if you stop estrogen there is a good chance your testes will begin producing more testosterone again.
There are people who after years of taking estrogen stop and are fertile again. Sometimes people are not able to be fertile again, but my point is that you can't count on testicular atrophy to be permanent.
If you want that kind of guarantee I would look into having the testes removed with an orchiectomy, which is a much cheaper and easier surgery to recover from than a vaginoplasty, and which would guarantee your body will permanently be unable to produce large amounts of testosterone.
Have a look at A Gender-Affirming Approach to Fertility Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients. Sperm production can usually be restarted with human chorionic gonadotropin, Raloxifene, or Clomifene.
- I just assume in these cases fertility implies also that the testes produce more testosterone again. I only ask because that seems to be OP's concern, rather than fertility directly.
  
  Yep!
  It is important to note that this will, in turn, cause a surge in testosterone levels, which may be very dysphoric and unpleasant for patients.
can't say for sure but I know mine are doneskies ✂️🍆

13 comments