ORCHIECTOMY
Many transgender patients choose to start their surgical transition process with an orchiectomy. Orchiectomy is a procedure where a surgeon removes the testicles.
For male-to-female trans patients, having an orchiectomy may also make your hormone regimen simpler later on. That’s because after the testicles are removed, the amount of testosterone (or male hormone) that your body makes drops to almost zero.
By dropping the amount of testosterone that’s produced by your body, you may be able to take less estrogen.
Taking less estrogen may also lower your chances of developing blood clots and other health problems that may be associated with high doses of estrogens.
Hormones can be complex. It’s best to talk with your doctor who’s prescribing your hormones before you have an orchiectomy so that you understand exactly how your hormone therapy will change after surgery.