# Periods and testosterone: what to expect

> Lighter, stopping and what to mention to your clinic

Category: Conditions · 2 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/conditions/periods-on-testosterone

## Quick answer

- Testosterone usually makes periods lighter and then stops them, on a different timetable for everyone.
- If bleeding carries on, your clinic has other options.
- Splash’s testosterone tags help you track changes without “late” alerts.

Testosterone, prescribed by a gender service or clinic, can reduce breast tissue, stop periods and make hair grow on your face, according to the NHS. For periods, one NHS clinic leaflet says they may slowly lessen and then stop, usually within about 6 months. It varies from person to person.

## What people commonly notice

- Periods getting lighter before they stop.
- For some people, bleeding carries on longer. If your periods persist on testosterone, tell your clinic: the leaflet says other medicines can be used to suppress them.
- Dryness or thinning of the genital area, which the leaflet says can start in the first 1 to 6 months.
- Oilier skin and [acne](https://splash.care/learn/body-literacy/acne-skin).
- If you stop testosterone, periods usually come back, but the time it takes is uncertain.

Many of these settle with time. If they bother you, tell the clinic or [your GP](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor): there are often things they can adjust or add.

## Using Splash while on testosterone

- Add the “On testosterone” tags in your profile to log [spotting](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/spotting), [cramps](https://splash.care/learn/period-care/cramp-relief), dryness, acne, sweating and voice changes.
- Splash will not call a long gap “late” when you have this tag on, and it widens its windows.
- Your log gives your clinic a clear picture of what changed and when.

### When to see a doctor

See your GP or clinic if bleeding is heavy, if you get new pelvic pain, or if any bleeding is unexpected or continues for a long time. Tell them you are on hormones so they can put it in context. The NHS strongly advises against using hormones that have not been prescribed for you. Do not stop your testosterone without talking to the person who prescribes it.

## Sources

1. [NHS: Testosterone and pregnancy (also covers what testosterone does to periods)](https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/having-a-baby-if-you-are-lgbt-plus/testosterone-and-pregnancy/)
2. [NHS Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear: Information about treatment with testosterone](https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Information-about-treatment-with-testosterone-v1.4.pdf)
3. [NHS: Gender dysphoria and incongruence](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria-and-incongruence/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).