If you’re a trans-femme person navigating the world of gender-affirming care, chances are you’ve heard about estrogen. For many of us, it’s more than a hormone—it’s a lifeline, a key to unlocking a deeper sense of authenticity. But have you ever wondered about its origins? Who discovered it? When and where did it first emerge in the realm of science? And what did that mean for trans people—especially those living before its discovery? For this month’s Trans History Spotlight, let’s dive into the fascinating history of estrogen, explore its medical and cultural implications, and critique how its discovery shaped (and complicated) the lives of trans people.
Table of Contents
The Birth of Estrogen: When and Where It All Began
The story of estrogen begins in the early 20th century, a period when the field of endocrinology was still in its infancy. Before then, the human body was understood mainly mechanically, with little comprehension of the chemical messengers we now know as hormones.
In 1923, biochemist Edward Doisy and physiologist Edgar Allen made history at Washington University in St. Louis. Through painstaking research involving ovarian tissue from pigs, they identified and isolated what we now call estrogen. Around the same time, German chemist Adolf Butenandt was conducting similar research in Europe. He eventually earned a Nobel Prize in 1939 for his work on sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone.
This discovery was monumental. For the first time, scientists understood that hormones could profoundly influence physical development, reproductive functions, and even emotions. While this opened doors for medical advancements, it’s essential to recognize the social and cultural implications that came along with it.
What the Discovery Meant for Medicine—and for Trans People
When estrogen was first isolated, its primary applications revolved around reproductive health. It was hailed as a “miracle” for treating menopause symptoms, menstrual irregularities, and infertility. By the mid-20th century, estrogen had found its way into contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for cisgender women. But what about trans people? Where did we fit into this unfolding story?
For most of the 20th century, trans people were often relegated to the margins of medical discourse. The discovery of estrogen didn’t initially benefit us because mainstream medicine—steeped in cisnormativity and patriarchy—didn’t recognize our existence, let alone our needs. Trans women seeking access to estrogen were often forced to navigate gatekeeping systems, endure invasive scrutiny and questioning, or obtain hormones illegally. This marginalization was exacerbated by the rise of trans medicalism—the idea that trans people must meet rigid diagnostic and social criteria to “qualify” for care.
The Double-Edged Sword of Trans Medicalism
Before the discovery of estrogen, gender transition as we understand it today was extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible. That’s not to say trans people didn’t exist—we’ve been here all along, finding ways to live authentically despite societal and medical limitations. Historical records reveal that trans women often relied on creative methods to feminize their appearance, from binding and padding to dietary changes believed to influence bodily curves. Some turned to herbal remedies, while others adopted spiritual practices to affirm their gender identities.
But let’s be clear: these strategies, while ingenious, were not substitutes for the transformative effects of HRT. The lack of access to estrogen often meant that trans women had to endure a lifetime of dysphoria without the option to align their physical and emotional selves. This wasn’t just a medical issue—it was a human rights issue, a stark reminder of how systemic barriers have long denied trans people the tools to thrive.
While the discovery of estrogen eventually paved the way for gender-affirming care, it also entrenched harmful medical gatekeeping practices. The mid-20th century saw the rise of so-called “sex change” clinics, where access to hormones and surgeries was contingent on meeting narrow, often degrading criteria. Trans people were forced to conform to binary stereotypes, undergo invasive psychological evaluations, and present themselves as “passable” in their affirmed gender.
This era of trans medicalism was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it marked the beginning of institutional recognition of trans identities. On the other hand, it reduced our experiences to a set of medical diagnoses, pathologizing our identities in ways that still echo today. The discovery of estrogen may have been a scientific breakthrough, but the systems that controlled its distribution often left trans people feeling disempowered, dehumanized, and constrained.
The Implications for Today’s Gender-Affirming Care
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the landscape of trans healthcare has changed dramatically. Estrogen is now widely available in many parts of the world, and gender-affirming care has expanded to include a range of options tailored to individual needs. But let’s not pretend everything is perfect.
Access remains a significant issue, particularly for trans people living in conservative regions or under restrictive healthcare systems. Cost, insurance barriers, and anti-trans legislation continue to deny many the care they need. And while we’ve moved beyond the worst of trans medicalism, remnants of gatekeeping persist in the form of outdated protocols and uninformed providers.
At the same time, the discovery of estrogen has empowered countless trans people to reclaim their narratives and reshape their lives. For many of us, starting estrogen is a moment of euphoria—a tangible step toward becoming who we’ve always been. It’s a powerful reminder that when used ethically and inclusively, science can be a force for liberation.
Beyond Medicalization: Rethinking Trans Health
As we reflect on the history of estrogen, it’s crucial to critique how trans identity has been overly medicalized. While hormones and surgeries are vital for many transgender people, they’re not the sum total of what it means to be trans. Our identities are not defined by our ability to access or afford medical interventions. Nor should our worth be measured by how well we conform to the expectations of a cisnormative society.
This critique isn’t about rejecting medical care—it’s about expanding the conversation. What if we viewed trans health as holistic, encompassing not just physical well-being but also mental, emotional, and social support? What if we prioritized community-driven care models that center on autonomy and self-determination? The discovery of estrogen was a pivotal moment, but it’s up to us to ensure that its legacy serves all trans people, not just those who fit neatly into medical systems.
The discovery of estrogen is a story of scientific curiosity, medical innovation, and trans resilience. It reminds us how far we’ve come and how much further we still have to go. For trans people today, estrogen is more than a hormone—it’s a symbol of possibility, a testament to our capacity to transform and thrive.
As we honor this history, let’s also remember that our journeys are as diverse as we are. Whether you’re on estrogen, considering it, or living your truth without it, your experience is valid, your identity is real, and your story matters. After all, the true power of estrogen lies not just in what it does but in what it represents: the enduring fight for trans liberation, autonomy, and joy.
References
- Bell, S.E., & Figert, A.E. (2012). Medicalization and Gender: Historical Analysis. In R. DeVries, S.E. Bell, & J.A. Schmei (Eds.), Bioethics in Action (pp. 173-186). Springer.
- James, S.E., et al. (2016). The Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey. National Center for Transgender Equality.
- Meyerowitz, J. (2002). How Sex Changed: A History of Transsexuality in the United States. Harvard University Press.
- Stryker, S. (2008). Transgender History. Seal Press.
- Heyam, K. (2022). Before We Were Trans. Seal Press.
