Unveiling Trans Health: Do Trans Men Have Periods?
If you wonder, “Do trans men have periods?” then the answer may not be a simple yes or no.
People unfamiliar with transgender issues often associate menstruation with a female experience.
However, this creates a cycle of misinformation and hinders understanding of the unique needs of transgender people.
Menstruation can be a painful and liberating experience for transgender people, depending on their preferences.
Read on to learn how menstruation and transgender men are interrelated and the gender-neutral nature of periods.
What is transgender menstruation
When someone who does not identify with their sex assigned at birth gets menstruation, it is termed transgender menstruation.
Menstruation is not about a particular gender, as your sexuality has no impact on whether or not you menstruate.
Most transgender people suffer emotionally because their menstrual cycles are not seen as gender-neutral, and it can damage their psychological well-being.
Can transgender men have periods
Yes, it is normal for a transgender man to have periods.
Transitioning means changing your appearance and social role to align with your gender identity.
Most trans men choose to change their social roles and bodies with Hormone Replacement Therapy because they are assigned male at birth.
Menstruation is not just a gender-based concept, although it is associated with biologically female body parts.
However, periods may not be accompanied by changes in gender, which can cause trans men to have periods.
Trans men are born with female sex organs (ovaries, uterus), but they identify or wish to transition to their gender identities by medical intervention.
It is possible when a man’s gender identity does not match with what he is born with.
If trans man retains their original female sexual organs, they can get periods even when their gender and social role match their male gender identity.
However, many transgender men opt for a Hysterectomy because they suffer from irregular menses, such as heavy periods.
Thus, although transgender men can have periods, it is often an uncomfortable and painful experience.
Do trans guys on Testosterone get periods
Sometimes, periods can be a source of Dysmorphia for trans men, reminding them of their mistakenly assigned gender by birth.
Testosterone is a key hormone for the female-to-male transition in trans men.
Many trans men take Testosterone, but it is ultimately a personal choice for each human.
In a study, when female-to-male transexuals were administered Testosterone Cypionate, their menstrual cycles stopped after a few weeks.
They also experienced the masculinization of external features like heavier voices and facial hair.
Testosterone esters 200 mg for alternate weeks is a recommended dosage for trans men, which stops their periods and enables their transition.
The effects of HRT are irreversible, unlike puberty blockers, and involve increased risks of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer in later stages of life.
According to another study, the onset of cessation of periods was seen in all groups given variable doses.
However, the time taken for the results to be seen differed, ranging from weeks to months.
Thus, it seems that using Testosterone ultimately leads to not having periods, but the time it takes to achieve it is variable and dose-dependent.
Takeaway
Anyone with female reproductive organs can menstruate, no matter what gender they identify with.
Transgender men who identify themselves as males and retain their female organs can have periods.
Transgender men on Testosterone cannot get periods and experience masculinization of exterior features.
All HRT transitioning trans men ultimately experience complete stoppage of periods, but the duration for it to happen depends on the dosage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to deal with your period as a trans guy?
As a trans guy dealing with your periods, you can start using products you find comfortable and not marketed as feminine. However, Testosterone therapy in trans men has been shown to cease periods. You can consult your doctor to start your Testosterone therapy to prevent further periods.
Do boys and men have periods?
Biological men and boys cannot have periods as they do not have the organs needed for menstruation. Transgender men can have periods if they retain their biologically assigned female reproductive organs or are not under any Testosterone Hormonal Therapy.
How do trans boys get periods?
If trans boys retain their female reproductive organs, the Estrogen in their blood can cause them to ovulate and thus menstruate. However, if they are under Testosterone treatment, they cannot menstruate as the levels of male hormone Testosterone in their blood suppresses periods.
Do trans guys still have periods?
Periods are associated with the female reproductive system. If trans men still have intact female reproductive organs, they can have periods normally. However, certain hormones like Testosterone, when administered, can cause cessation of menses.
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