Trans News/ Issues

[Nadeest]

This article was brought to my attention via one of my friends on Facebook. I thought that people might be interested in viewing it. http://openmindedhealth.com/2013/09/...one-treatment/

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Nadeest

This article was brought to my attention via one of my friends on Facebook. I thought that people might be interested in viewing it. http://openmindedhealth.com/2013/09/...one-treatment/

I don't know...what do you think, Nadeest?

I see that the article says that for both transwomen and transmen (on cross sex hormones) that the incidence of breast cancer is equal to cis men.

The theory is that it is due to tesotosterone that the transmen have a lower incidence. Although their "female" hormones don't drop, testosterone neutralizes it so to speak (is what I am reading anyway).

This same theory doesn't fit for transwomen because as they are not just adding female hormones (estrogen/progesterone), they are also blocking male hormones (testosterone). So, if it is the testosterone that is keeping the transmen safer than a cis women, what is keeping transwomen safe?

I admit that I don't know much at all about how sex hormones and breast cancer works, but I would take pause if I were a transwoman taking cross sex hormones. I would want to be treated like any other person who had estrogen/progesterone flowing through their bodies (mammorgrams if have breast growth).

What are your thoughts on this Nadeest? I admit to being ignorant when it comes to this issue with transwomen, but would like to know more. I know that you cannot speak for all, but what does the transwomen community say about this issue?

[Nadeest]

I can't speak for the community, especially as I haven't really talked to many transwomen since I moved to Florida. However, as for my thoughts: First off, it was a very small study. As far as I know, it has not been replicated, so the results can't really be confirmed. Secondly, Europeans use a different anti-androgen then we do, here in the US, so that factor must also be considered. I think that we need a lot more information before we can really draw any solid conclusions from this. Mind you, it IS interesting, but not positive proof, at least to my mind.

Oh, I definitely have been getting mamograms, since I am over 50, or at least I was through the Houston VA hospital system. Hopefully, my new doctors down here in Florida will also insist that I get them. I do suspect that I am going to have to educate them, as well as the pharmacist, though, as to how to approach medical treatment of transwomen.

[Nadeest]

Ok, I just reread the article, and so I take back my statement about the size of the study. 3102 people is a respectable size for a study, I would think, though, to be fair, I am not acquainted with the way to properly review studies. However, the study was restricted to one clinic/hospital system. I still feel that we need more data, confirming such information before we can trust it. Also, we still have to consider the factors of the different anti-androgen in common usage between the US and Europe.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Nadeest

Ok, I just reread the article, and so I take back my statement about the size of the study. 3102 people is a respectable size for a study, I would think, though, to be fair, I am not acquainted with the way to properly review studies. However, the study was restricted to one clinic/hospital system. I still feel that we need more data, confirming such information before we can trust it. Also, we still have to consider the factors of the different anti-androgen in common usage between the US and Europe.

I'm glad to hear that you have no problems getting mammograms (that is where my concern and head was going...if "research" says that transwomen have no greater chance of breast cancer than cis men do, will insurance companies refuse mammograms for MTFs? Worrisome).

I did not know that there are different anti-androgens between the two countries. Great information to know! Thanks!

[Linus]

For those unaware, the Philadelphia Trans Health conference is held annually. If you've never attended and want to get more info, visit here: http://www.trans-health.org/

I highly recommend it. I attended just as I began my transition and found it to be one of the best experiences I've ever had.

[Linus]

I had the pleasure of hearing Miss Major speak at the Philly Trans Health conference back in 2007 or 2008. There is a kickstarter going on to raise money for a documentary on her. If you can donate or want to learn more visit here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...cumentary-film