Understanding the Reality of Trans Individuals Who Choose to Pause Hormone Treatment

Eder Iturralde, a 25-year-old from Errezil, Gipuzkoa, decided to stop his testosterone hormone therapy three years ago, after having been on the treatment for four years. With his blond hair, light eyes, and a beard that remains as a result of the hormone therapy, Eder lives with his family in a rural hotel in Azpeitia, run by his mother. His story reflects a little-known but significant reality within the trans community: the decision to stop hormone therapy without renouncing one’s gender identity.

Since adolescence, Eder felt drawn to the trans world after seeing a pregnant man on television and finding a young Andalusian man on YouTube whose experience resonated with his own. At age 17, Eder began their transition by sharing their truth with their sister and requesting the use of male pronouns. Later, at age 18, they froze their eggs, started taking testosterone, changed their ID, and underwent chest surgery. However, once the desired physical changes had taken place, Eder began to question the need to continue hormone therapy.

Eder’s story—and those of others like him—challenges the conventional notion of what it means to be trans. While for many, transitioning involves physical changes through surgeries and hormone treatments, there is a small but growing group that chooses to explore their identity beyond medical procedures. This approach does not represent regret or a denial of their queer identity, but rather an exploration of it from a personal and unique perspective.

It is estimated that up to 5% of the trans community decides to stop hormone therapy. This process, known medically as secondary detransition, involves maintaining a trans identity without reliance on hormones. This choice is significant, especially for trans women seeking a broader understanding of their identity, beyond physical gender expectations. In a world where the word “detransition” has become a transphobic weapon, these stories offer an enriching perspective on the diversity of experiences within the trans community.

It is crucial that society views these narratives with empathy and understanding, recognizing that gender identity is a broad and personal spectrum. For trans women and all people who choose a similar path, it is vital to foster an environment of respect and support, where each individual can freely decide about their body and identity. As these stories gain visibility, we may see a shift in how the trans community is perceived and supported in all its diversity and complexity.