Ontario Woman Who Regrets Gender Transition Warns Against ‘Social Contagion’ of Rushed Transgender Surgery

Michelle Zacchigna regrets decision to remove breasts, uterus during 'mental health crisis'

Michelle Zacchigna spent 10 years identifying as male (R), undergoing a hysterectomy and double mastectomy, before regretting the decision and “detransitioning” back to her female biological sex (L). Courtesy Michelle Zacchigna

At 21 years old, after a history of being treated for social anxiety, clinical depression, panic attacks, self-harming behaviour, and a suicide attempt, Michelle Zacchigna thought she might be a man.

She was unhappy and depressed and had dropped out of university due to her declining mental health. She became fascinated with a “gender nonconformity” subculture on the internet and believed that once she took on a new identity and gender, the depression would go away.