Transitioning to female identity later in life: Guidelines and additional info
In the journey of life, some individuals may find that they wish to transition later in their years. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the considerations and approaches for older adults seeking medical help for gender dysphoria.
First and foremost, it's crucial to note that transitioning is possible at any age. However, it's essential to consider the risks and benefits of certain transitioning procedures to ensure that medical transitioning is the correct course of action for an individual.
Doctors will conduct comprehensive physical and mental health evaluations before recommending any treatment. For transgender women over the age of 50 who still have testicles, a doctor may suggest using testosterone blockers or lower doses of estrogen. On the other hand, those who have undergone an orchiectomy or vaginoplasty can stop taking testosterone blockers, but to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, they should continue taking minimal doses until they reach 50 years of age.
Transitioning later in life also involves managing the long-term effects of hormone therapy. People over the age of 50 may have a higher chance of developing blood clots, heart attack, diabetes, and cancer after starting hormone therapy. Therefore, monitoring bone health, cardiovascular health, and specific anatomical issues depending on surgical status becomes essential.
For older trans men, risks linked to testosterone therapy such as bone density loss and monitoring of residual reproductive organs (possible need for hysterectomy or continued cervical screening if applicable) are crucial considerations. For older trans women, managing estrogen therapy's long-term effects, maintaining bone strength, managing cardiovascular risks, and regular breast screening even after mastectomy due to persistent glandular tissue are the primary focuses.
The transition process is highly individualized and requires ongoing counseling about social, legal, and medical aspects. This counseling should recognise the psychological and physiological complexity of later-life transition.
The cost of gender affirming procedures can vary depending on whether a person has health insurance and whether their health insurance covers these procedures. It's important to know what questions to ask a doctor when making an appointment to discuss transitioning, such as what medical and nonmedical options are available, how much procedures cost, what are the waiting times for procedures, which hospital or medical center performs these procedures, and what are the risks and side effects of each procedure.
Lastly, if you are experiencing gender dysphoria and would like more information regarding medical and nonmedical options to treat this, such as using hormones to transition, it's advisable to contact a doctor.
There are several organizations that can offer advocacy and support throughout all stages of transitioning, such as the National Center for Transgender Equality, the Transgender Law Center, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and the Consortium in the United Kingdom. These organizations can provide valuable resources and guidance for those embarking on their transition journey.
- Age is no barrier for transitioning, but it's important to weigh the risks and benefits of various transitioning procedures for older adults.
- Comprehensive health evaluations are vital before recommending any treatment for individuals seeking medical help for gender dysphoria.
- Transgender women over 50 may be advised to use testosterone blockers or lower doses of estrogen, depending on their surgical status.
- For trans women who have undergone an orchiectomy or vaginoplasty, testosterone blockers can be stopped, but small doses of hormones are recommended until they turn 50 to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Later-life transitioners need to monitor bone health, cardiovascular health, and anatomical issues closely.
- Trans men over 50 should be aware of the risks associated with testosterone therapy, particularly bone density loss, and continue cervical screening or consider hysterectomy.
- Older trans women should focus on managing estrogen therapy's long-term effects, maintaining bone strength, managing cardiovascular risks, and getting regular breast screenings.
- The transition process requires ongoing counseling to address the social, legal, and medical aspects, acknowledging the psychological and physiological complexities of later-life transition.
- Knowing what medical and nonmedical options are available, their costs, waiting times, and associated risks are essential when discussing transitioning with a doctor.
- Inquire about the hospital or medical center that performs gender affirming procedures during your appointment with your doctor.
- Many factors contribute to the cost of gender-affirming procedures, including health insurance coverage.
- It's crucial to ask your doctor questions about the procedures, their risks, and side effects.
- Experiencing gender dysphoria and seeking information about treatment options, including hormone therapy, should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.
- Seeking advice and support throughout the transition process can be facilitated by organizations like the National Center for Transgender Equality, the Transgender Law Center, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, or the Consortium in the United Kingdom.
- These organizations offer valuable resources and guidance for individuals embarking on their transition journey.
- Following a medical transition, maintaining overall health and wellness is vital, including engaging in fitness and exercise, sexual health, and skin care.
- Older adults may also benefit from using CBD to manage pain, anxiety, or stress related to transitions.
- Recognizing the financial implications of the transition process, personal financing strategies like budgeting can be helpful in managing costs, especially when considering factors like pet care, car maintenance, and living expenses during car-free periods or the transition to electric vehicles.
