Health Issues When You're Transgender by Susan Meyer

Author:Susan Meyer [Meyer, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc

The main sex hormones are androgens (such as testosterone) and estrogen. People of all genders produce both estrogen and testosterone in their bodies. Some produce more estrogen, while others produce more testosterone. The production of testosterone in a fetus leads to the development of a penis and testicles. Lower levels of testosterone at this stage lead to the development of a labia, uterus, and vagina. Babies are assigned genders at birth based on these secondary sex characteristics, although their assigned genders may not reflect their gender identities. Sex hormones also signal the body to make changes during puberty. Androgens cause a deepening of the voice, a growth spurt, and the growth of both facial hair and pubic hair. Estrogen causes the growth of breasts, filling out of the hips and thighs, and start of menstruation. After puberty, these hormones continue to play a role, including with reproduction and general health.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT

Hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) in transgender people involve administering sex hormones and suppressing others as a way to help the person’s secondary sex characteristics match their gender identity. Transgender women can take hormone blockers to suppress their testosterone. They can also take estrogen. These can have several feminizing effects on the body. The genitals may reduce in size. Fat may be distributed more about the hips and muscles may become smaller. Breasts may form. Facial hair and body hair may lessen. On the other hand, transgender men can take testosterone, which can lead to masculine features. It can lead to body and facial hair growth, increased muscle mass, and a deeper voice. It will also often cause the man to stop having periods. Some transgender men also develop acne as a side effect of taking estrogen.

A transgender Kansas police officer shows the hormones she takes daily to help keep her body matching her gender identity.

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