Testosterone and pregnancy

Testosterone therapy uses an artificial version of the testosterone hormone.

It's given to people for a number of reasons, including as a treatment for gender dysphoria in people who want to change how their body looks and works.

Testosterone can reduce breast tissue, stop periods, and make hair grow on your face.

Testosterone and fertility

It is possible to get pregnant if you’re taking testosterone, but it's not recommended. This is because taking testosterone in pregnancy may affect the baby's development.

If you are taking testosterone and want to get pregnant, talk to the doctor who is prescribing you testosterone.

Testosterone and pregnancy

Taking testosterone in pregnancy is not recommended.

Do not stop taking testosterone before talking with the doctor who is prescribing it for you.

If you stop taking testosterone you’ll probably start to have periods. You may also notice changes in your body shape around your hips, chest and thighs.

You should not notice any changes to your tone of voice or facial hair.

If you get pregnant, you may have mood swings, such as suddenly feeling very irritable or tearful. These are common in most pregnancies.

You may find being pregnant triggers feelings of gender dysphoria.

Find out about mental health in pregnancy.

Testosterone and chestfeeding

If you have taken testosterone in the past then your milk supply may be affected. So you may not be able to chestfeed your baby.

If you can chestfeed and you also decide to start taking testosterone again, your milk will have small amounts of testosterone in it.

It is unclear what, if any, effect this could have on your baby.

It is also important to consider your own wellbeing if you are finding that not taking testosterone is triggering dysphoria.

Talk to your midwife or doctor about any concerns you may have.

Find out about chestfeeding.