What is the primary goal of adding anastrozole to a trans man’s therapy while on testosterone?

The primary goal of adding anastrozole to a trans man’s therapy while on testosterone is to prevent estrogen conversion from testosterone. When testosterone is administered, some of it can be converted into estrogen through a process called aromatization. This can lead to unwanted side effects associated with elevated estrogen levels, such as increased fat deposition, mood changes, or gynecomastia. Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor that works by blocking the enzyme responsible for this conversion, thereby helping to maintain more stable hormone levels and reduce the risk of these side effects.

Increasing testosterone levels is not the focus, as testosterone therapy aims to raise testosterone levels and adding anastrozole does not accomplish this. Enhancing muscle growth may be a benefit from proper testosterone therapy but is not the direct purpose of anastrozole. Similarly, reducing testosterone dosage is counterproductive to the primary goal of testosterone therapy for trans men, as it is essential to maintain appropriate testosterone levels for the desired masculinizing effects.