The Reality of Trans Individuals Who Choose to Pause Hormone Therapy

Eder Iturralde, a 25-year-old from Gipuzkoa, decided to stop taking testosterone three years ago, after four years of hormone therapy. This change in his life was not driven by regret regarding his gender identity, but by the conviction that his identity can be explored beyond medical interventions. Eder, who lives with his family in a rural hotel in Azpeitia, retains physical characteristics from his previous treatment, such as his beard and deep voice, but feels he no longer needs the hormone to affirm his identity.

Eder’s story offers a glimpse into a little-explored reality within the trans community: that of those who decide to stop hormone therapy. At age 18, Eder froze her eggs, began taking testosterone, changed her ID, and underwent a mastectomy. However, once their external appearance aligned with their internal desires, they began to question the need to continue with a treatment that had already fulfilled its initial purpose.

The decision to stop hormone therapy does not signify a rejection of their trans identity, but rather a manifestation of diversity within the community. Approximately 5% of trans people choose to stop hormone therapy, a figure that reflects the complexity and diversity of trans experiences. Some of these individuals continue to identify with their chosen gender and keep their names and pronouns, demonstrating that gender identity is a personal and non-linear journey.

This conversation is particularly relevant for trans women, who often face social and medical pressures to conform to a specific standard of femininity. The decision to stop hormone therapy can be seen as a form of resistance against these restrictive norms, allowing trans women to explore their identity more authentically. This choice also challenges the simplistic narratives that often dominate public discourse on trans issues.

Looking ahead, it is crucial that the discourse on detransitioning does not become a weapon against the trans community. Instead, it should be an opportunity to broaden our understanding of the diversity of trans experiences, respecting individual decisions and recognizing that there is no single path to authenticity. Eder’s story is a reminder that every journey of identity is unique and that acceptance—both internal and external—is essential.