Expert answer:
Yes, both female hormone replacement and male hormone replacement can have side effects or unwanted. The risks and benefits should be evaluated individually, according to each case.
Some of the possible side effects of female hormone replacement are:
- Increase of the endometrium (membrane that covers the inner wall of the uterus), which can be attenuated with the use of progesterone;
- Increased triglyceride levels when oral estrogen is given;
- Some types of progesterone may cause fluid retention and cause an increase in blood pressure.
In the case of male hormone replacement, the main Side effects are:
- Increased prostate volume;
- Worsening sleep apnea, when the man already has this disorder before the start of treatment.
Due to the serious health damages that these side effects may cause, hormone replacement therapy should always be accompanied by the doctor / endocrinologist.
