Q: I want to start estrogen, but the side effects are scary...

Q: I want to start estrogen, but the side effects are scary, particularly the high risk of breast cancer. I don't know what to do.

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A: If you're unsure about going on HRT, I recommend that you make an appointment with an endocrinologist, which is a doctor that specializes in the endocrine system and hormones, so you can talk to them about what questions you have about HRT, what effects you want if you were to go on it, and what concerns you have about going on it. They'll be able to help you weigh the benefits and risks and also talk to you about how to reduce negative side effects if you were to decide that HRT is right for you.

Current research does not suggest that estrogen causes a high risk of breast cancer. From the Mayo Clinic: "Evidence suggests that people who take feminizing hormone therapy may have a higher risk of breast cancer when compared to cisgender men — men whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth. But the risk is not greater than that of cisgender women — women whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth. To minimize risk, the goal for people taking feminizing hormone therapy is to keep hormone levels in the range that's typical for cisgender women." (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/feminizing-hormone-therapy/about/pac-20385096)

I still of course recommend you talk to a doctor about your concerns, but hopefully this helps too!