1. Reversibility of Estrogen’s Effects
People who have taken estrogen for a year or two often find that the bodily changes are subtle and largely reversible. One man who detransitioned after 15 months on estrogen wrote, “I’ve read that estrogen has much more subtle changes in transwomen compared to testosterone in transmen, so any changes that have been made in the past 1.5 years will probably reverse.” – lipbalmcap source [citation:a998fae8-af54-4848-a8cf-e8e65149e6c6] This means that if you stop, your skin texture, fat distribution, and body hair patterns are likely to return to their pre-hormone state over several months.

2. Temporary “Menopause” Symptoms
When estrogen is discontinued—especially after an orchiectomy—the body can react with hot flashes, irritability, and fatigue for a few weeks. One person described it as “being basically on menopause for about a month” before testosterone was re-introduced. – MxMCube source [citation:76fa32b8-a119-4064-814f-558067d4923e] These symptoms are uncomfortable but not dangerous and usually fade as the body readjusts.

3. Tapering vs. Cold-Turkey
You do not have to quit estrogen overnight. Many people choose to taper gradually—reducing the dose every week or two—to soften the menopause-like effects. One user explained, “week by week I cut down 1 ml until I stopped at 1 ml… it can take up to a year if not longer for your hormones to naturally balance out.” – Mahoganysss source [citation:982ea8b7-cf9f-4777-b0e1-547a3a6fb19f] Others simply stop and ride out the brief discomfort. Either way, arranging follow-up blood work with a doctor is wise to watch bone density and overall health.

4. Health Risks of Long-Term Estrogen in Males
Several detransitioners emphasize that estrogen is not designed for male bodies. One man noted, “There’s definitely an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, especially when taking it in pill form… Males shouldn’t take estrogen.” – birdcatcher9 source [citation:1355c30c-fc3f-40a3-9b48-0ae95e24bb8e] Stopping the hormone removes these ongoing risks.

5. Reclaiming Gender Non-Conformity
Stepping away from hormones can open space to explore who you are without medical intervention. The stories show that bodies and minds are resilient; once the synthetic hormone is gone, natural hormone production resumes and the physical traits that felt alien often fade. This return can be a relief and an invitation to express yourself in ways that feel authentic—whether that means wearing certain clothes, cultivating particular interests, or simply living without the pressure to fit a gender mold.

You are not trapped. The evidence from these lived experiences is that estrogen’s effects are largely reversible, the withdrawal period is short, and your body can find its own healthy balance again. If you decide to stop, you can do so gradually or quickly, with or without a doctor’s guidance, but a simple check-up will help ensure your bones and heart stay strong. Most of all, you have every right to embrace gender non-conformity—living freely as yourself without hormones or labels that no longer serve you.