A. The full medical effects and safety of hormone therapy are not fully known.
Potential adverse effects may include, but are not limited to:
- Increased cholesterol and/or fats in the blood, which may increase the risk for heart attack or stroke
- Increased number of red blood cells (increased hemoglobin) which may cause headache, dizziness, heart attack, confusion, visual disturbances, or stroke
- Acne
- Polycythemia
- Hepatotoxicity
- Immunostimulatory and Immunosuppressive
- Hair Loss
- Stunted Growth in Pre-Pubescent Juveniles
- Edema
- Gynecomastia
- Prostate Enlargement
- Testicular Atrophy
- Increased risk of the following: Heart disease and stroke
- High blood pressure
- Liver inflammation
- Increased or decreased sex drive and sexual functioning
- Worsening of sleep apnea
B. The risks for some of the above adverse events may be INCREASED by
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Pre-existing psychiatric conditions
- Cigarette smoking
- Alcohol use
C. Irreversible body changes from hormone therapy
Potential increases with length of time on hormones. Changes may include, but are not limited to:
- Deepening of voice
- Development of facial & body hair
- Fat redistribution
- Genital changes (i.e. enlargement of clitoris & labia, vaginal dryness)
- Increased bone density
- Infertility while using testosterone
- Male pattern baldness
