Transgendered: In Quest of a Place on the Gender Spectrum

Healthy Living
Transexuals

An interesting way to look at gender identity is to imagine a spectrum between the standard "male" and "female" sexes. Physical, mental, and emotional factors all help us decide where we lie on that spectrum. While this concept sounds simple enough, it leads us to an understanding of the turmoil some people go through in a society that does not view gender as having grey or mid-points.

Furthermore, it takes a great amount of soul-searching to determine where, exactly, we lie in this spectrum. Transgenderedindividuals are those who feel uncomfortable within their predefined biological gender roles. They feel more at ease somewhere on the spectrum other than at the end points, "male" or "female." The American Psychiatric Association diagnoses these individuals as having "gender identity disorders." Such a diagnosis seems to stick another label on someone who seeks freedom from categories. However, the diagnosis can often help individuals achieve a sense of rightness.

Many individuals make a decision to move to a different place on the spectrum. They seek to achieve a more appropriate identity through the use of clothing choices, name changes, hormone therapy, surgery, or other means that feel right for them. The end result is a sense of liberty.

MEDICAL ISSUES

Mental Health

As if feeling out of sorts in your own body and making a difficult decision, aren’t rough enough; transgender individuals face a whole new set of problems when exercising their choices of change. First, seeking our financial, medical, and psychological help can be difficult. Once resources have been found and the process is underway, unexpected feelings may arise.

Individuals, who have been socialised as one gender, face emotional obstacles as they make changes. Peers may also be unsporting. Extreme physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes happen. All this leads to high stress levels. During this time, individuals may become depressed or anxious, and may turn to substance abuse. Some people may even turn to suicide and self-harm. Having a counsellor who understands transgender issues is very important for making a successful transition.

Physical Health

Transgender individuals often take hormones throughout their lives. Others undergo surgeries that change their bodies. Both can have health effects that need to be acknowledged and monitored to maintain the good health of a transsexual person.

Transgender people often do not receive the thorough and sensitive health care they deserve. However, they are a population who require comprehensive medical attention. Hormone therapy can increase probability of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thromboembolic events, liver abnormalities, and other diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the body in tip-top shape and regularly see a knowledgeable (who understand transgender issues well) physician. Aerobic exercise, yoga, tai chi as well as working with weights will help keep the body in good shape and keep bone density high.

Individuals in transition may benefit from calcium supplements. Also, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat a diet high in vegetables and omega-3 fats and to limit intake of sugar, trans fats and saturated fats.

Transgendered individuals should never borrow hormones from friends or buy them from the black market. Individuals should be beware of dietary supplements called "herbal hormones," and SHOULD NEVER use these without their physician’s permission. It is important to refrain from smoking while on hormone therapy as it can aggravate risks associated with hormones. Hormonal scans are a regular part of a medical check-up.

Some people who have undergone sex reassignment surgery do not realise that they may still have remaining breast or prostate tissue. It is important to be upfront with doctors about the surgery and be aware that screening of the breasts, uterus, and cervix (in female to male) or prostate (in male to female) may still be a priority.

Sexually transmitted diseases occur disproportionately among the transgender community. Like everyone, transgender people should keep their sexual partners to a minimum and use condoms every time. Furthermore, sharing needles is a dangerous practice and should never be permitted.

With great soul-searching, dedication, and a healthy lifestyle, every individual can find a happy place within the spectrum of gender.