Yes, testosterone can stop periods. This is a well-documented effect, particularly in the context of masculinizing hormone therapy for transgender men.
How Testosterone Stops Periods
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, works by suppressing the production of estrogen and other hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. This hormonal shift leads to the cessation of menstruation. The Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/masculinizing-hormone-therapy/about/pac-20385099 confirms that masculinizing hormone therapy, which includes testosterone, stops menstrual cycles.
- Mechanism: Testosterone reduces the ovaries' ability to produce estrogen, the hormone crucial for the menstrual cycle. With significantly reduced estrogen, the body no longer undergoes the hormonal fluctuations that cause menstruation.
- Timeline: The time it takes for periods to stop varies. Some individuals experience cessation within three to six months of starting testosterone therapy, while others may take longer. https://www.reddit.com/r/ftm/comments/yt5pn7/when_did_your_period_stop_after_taking_t/ A study found that low-to-moderate dose testosterone therapy suppressed menstrual function in most transgender men. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685207/ One source states that most people on average doses see periods suppressed within six months. https://www.folxhealth.com/library/does-testosterone-stop-periods
- Important Note: Even after periods stop due to testosterone, pregnancy remains possible. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/having-a-baby-if-you-are-lgbt-plus/testosterone-and-pregnancy/ https://childrenswi.org/publications/teaching-sheet/endocrine/1736-gender-affiming-therapy-testosterone
Other Effects of Testosterone
Besides stopping periods, testosterone can cause other physical changes, including increased facial hair growth and changes in breast tissue. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/having-a-baby-if-you-are-lgbt-plus/testosterone-and-pregnancy/ These effects are part of masculinizing hormone therapy.
