People of any sexual orientation can face health problems. But people who are gay, lesbian, or transgender may be at greater risk for health problems because they don't always see a healthcare provider when they need to. It may be that they feel embarrassed, have had a bad experience, fear judgment, or have a healthcare provider who is uninformed. Here are some health issues to be aware of and talk about with your healthcare provider. While transitioning, you may take hormones to achieve masculine or feminine effects. Those hormones carry risks:.
Study finds health risks for transgender women on hormone therapy
Key Transgender Health Concerns | Program for LGBTQ Health
Transgender women on hormone therapy may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular problems, such as stroke, blood clots and heart attack, researchers reported Monday. The study was done by reviewing eight years of medical records of nearly 5, transgender patients in the Kaiser Health system, and looked at patients over the age of 18 who took hormones for gender transition. Over 97, cisgender patients — people whose sex assigned at birth matches their gender identity — with similar age and health characteristics were studied for comparison. The study found that transgender women, who are assigned the male sex at birth, were twice as likely as cisgender men or women to have the blood clot condition venous thromboembolism. Transgender women on hormone therapy were also found to be 80 to 90 percent more likely to have stroke or a heart attack than cisgender women. Transgender men on hormone therapy, however, were not found to have a higher risk.
Benita Arren was the third person to join an innovative study of transgender individuals in Belgium. Credit: Bea Uhart. Benita Arren wishes that the human body came with instructions. About a decade ago, Arren was struggling with inner conflict. Then in her forties, married with two children and busy with a job in Antwerp, Belgium, she found them resurfacing.
For the best experience on htmlWebpackPlugin. Transgender individuals have specific health care needs. This is because they have less access to health care due to low employment rates, lack of insurance coverage, or fear of discrimination. Start by asking your health care provider about these ten important issues. Some providers may not agree to treat you.