Everyone is exposed to several health risks. However, there are issues only specific to the transgender community. Some of these health problems include sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression. Others include sexual and physical violence among others. Some of these problems can be controlled through New York transgender medicine.
Transgender medicine focuses on the healthcare needs of transgender patients. It includes hormones, surgery, mental health counseling, and other services related to gender identity transition.
The field of transgender medicine encompasses many disciplines. These include the following;
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is often the first step in transitioning from one gender to another and can include injections, patches, or pills. This treatment helps to change your body’s physical features and characteristics. It is important to note that hormone therapy will not make you entirely male or female. It just changes some of the physical characteristics of your body.
Gender-affirming surgery
Gender-affirming surgery is a type of surgery that changes the appearance or function of your sex organs so they can match how you feel inside. For example, this type of surgery may involve removing breast tissue if you are male-to-female (MTF) transgender or removing testicles if you are female-to-male (FTM).
Blood pressure screenings
Blood pressure screenings are an integral part of transgender medicine because most transgender people face elevated blood pressure rates due to stressors like discrimination and stigma associated with being trans, in addition to other factors.
Annual physicals
Annual physicals are the foundation of good health care and should be performed by a primary care physician or medical team knowledgeable about transgender medicine. These visits will include reviewing your medical history, questions about your current status, and risk factors for specific conditions. Screening and cholesterol testing are also crucial components of annual physicals. A trans medicine expert may recommend additional tests depending on your age and risk factors for specific conditions.
Emotional health
Transgender individuals who have not medically transitioned may experience emotional distress related to their gender identity. This can include feelings of anxiety, depression, shame, and isolation. Some people may also experience anxiety related to their transition process or lack thereof. Mental health professionals are trained to help patients who experience these feelings through therapy and other interventions such as medication management or group support meetings.
Facial feminization
Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is one aspect of transgender medicine often sought by patients seeking gender confirmation procedures. FFS surgical procedures alter typically male facial features to bring them closer in shape and size to typical female facial features. These procedures are typically performed with other gender confirmation surgeries, such as breast augmentation or mastectomy (removal of breast tissue).
General health risk assessment
The goal of transgender medicine is to help patients feel comfortable with their bodies, which can be a challenge for most trans people. This involves comprehensive health risk assessments that include blood tests, physical exams, and mental health screenings.
For more information about transgender medicine, contact Matt Pabis, MD.