What does this video actually claim?
Wes Weisbaum (@wesweisbaum) argues that stopping hormone replacement therapy (HRT) doesn't automatically mean someone is detransitioning. He lists several reasons trans people might discontinue HRT: losing access, health concerns, cost barriers, not wanting to pass in a binary way, or choosing other forms of gender-affirming care.
His main point is that trans people aren't a monolith. Some never want HRT at all. The video aims to counter assumptions about why people stop hormones.
Does research support his claims about HRT discontinuation?
Yes, the limited research backs up Weisbaum's core points. A 2022 study by Ristori et al. in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy found that among 796 trans individuals, 2.9% discontinued hormone therapy. Only 0.4% cited regret about their gender identity as the reason.
The Coleman et al. Standards of Care Version 8 (2022) explicitly acknowledges that some trans people don't want medical interventions. A 2021 study by Turban et al. in LGBT Health found that among 27,715 trans adults, financial barriers affected hormone access for 25% of respondents.
Healthcare access issues are well-documented. D'Angelo et al. (2021) found that 33% of trans adults reported difficulty accessing hormone therapy due to provider shortages or insurance denials.
What context is missing from this video?
Weisbaum doesn't mention that some people do detransition, and research suggests rates vary widely depending on how you define it. Ristori's study found 0.4% detransitioned due to identity changes, but D'Angelo found 13.1% had ever detransitioned, with 82.5% of those later retransitioning.
The video also doesn't address that temporary discontinuation can have medical implications. Hormone withdrawal can cause mood changes, hot flashes, and other symptoms that patients should discuss with providers.
He's right that access barriers are real problems, but doesn't mention telehealth options that have expanded access for many people in underserved areas.
What should patients actually know about stopping HRT?
If you're considering stopping HRT for any reason, talk to your provider first. Abrupt cessation can cause withdrawal symptoms, and there might be ways to address your concerns without stopping entirely.
Financial assistance programs exist for many hormone medications. Some manufacturers offer patient assistance programs, and telehealth platforms have made treatment more affordable in many areas.
For health-related pauses, your provider might adjust dosing or switch formulations rather than stopping completely. Regular monitoring can help catch potential issues early.
Weisbaum is absolutely right that stopping HRT doesn't equal detransitioning. But whatever your reason for considering changes to hormone therapy, medical supervision makes the process safer.