The Shocking Health Risks of Estrogen for Transgender Men: What Everyone Needs to Know

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Elena Moreno — 4 min

Did you know that taking estrogen to affirm a transgender identity can come with some unexpected, serious health risks? It’s a topic that often flies under the radar but deserves our attention, especially as conversations about transgender health and fertility are becoming more common.

Just recently, a revealing study caught my eye, titled Cancer, Blood Clots, Death: Study Exposes Health Risks for Males Who Take Estrogen to ‘Affirm’ Transgender Identity. The findings? Pretty alarming — biological males who take estrogen face an array of dangerous complications, including cancer, blood clots, diabetes, and infertility.

Now, this isn’t just a clinical matter; it hits close to home for many. Whether you’re a transgender individual navigating hormone therapies, a partner supporting someone on this journey, or someone interested in fertility and conception technologies, these revelations raise important questions about how hormone use intersects with reproductive health.

Why is infertility a critical piece of this puzzle?

For many trans men and non-binary folks assigned male at birth, hormone therapy with estrogen is part of their gender affirmation process. But estrogen significantly impacts sperm health and production. The study highlights that prolonged estrogen use can drastically reduce sperm motility and count, sometimes leading to permanent infertility. This is a game-changer for anyone hoping to conceive biologically later on.

So, what options are there for those affected by these fertility challenges?

This is where innovations in at-home insemination and fertility technology come into play. I recently discovered MakeAMom, a company specializing in at-home insemination kits designed for all sorts of unique needs — including folks who might be navigating low sperm motility or frozen sperm issues.

MakeAMom offers three distinct kits:

CryoBaby: Ideal for frozen or low-volume sperm.
Impregnator: Tailored for low motility sperm.
BabyMaker: Perfect for users with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus.

What really stands out to me is how accessible and discreet these kits are. They’re reusable, cost-effective, and shipped in plain packaging to respect privacy. Plus, MakeAMom reports an impressive average success rate of 67%, which is so encouraging.

But wait — why should this matter beyond the transgender community?

Because infertility and reproductive health affect so many, regardless of gender identity. The increasing visibility of transgender health issues shines a light on the broader conversation about fertility preservation, alternatives, and options outside of clinical settings.

Here’s the big takeaway: if you or someone you know is considering hormone therapy that includes estrogen, it’s absolutely vital to understand the possible fertility implications upfront. Discussions around fertility preservation (like sperm banking) before starting treatment can make a huge difference down the line.

And for those who find themselves facing fertility challenges now, resources like MakeAMom offer hope and practical solutions that empower people to take control of their conception journeys from the comfort of home.

Looking ahead:

As medical research continues to uncover the nuanced effects of hormones on fertility, communities and individuals can stay informed and proactive. Whether it’s through hormone therapy decisions, fertility preservation, or exploring at-home insemination, knowledge is power.

So, let me leave you with this — have you or someone close navigated the complex intersection of hormone treatments and fertility? How did you manage the challenges? Share your stories and thoughts below. Let’s keep this important conversation going.

If you’re curious to learn more about the health risks uncovered in the study, here’s the full article for your deep dive: Cancer, Blood Clots, Death: Study Exposes Health Risks for Males Who Take Estrogen to ‘Affirm’ Transgender Identity.

And if you’re exploring fertility options or just want to understand how at-home insemination might fit into your journey, definitely check out the innovative solutions offered by MakeAMom — they might just have the answer you’re looking for.

Your fertility journey is deeply personal, but you’re not alone. Let’s talk, learn, and support each other every step of the way.