October 20th 2024.
As someone who identifies as non-binary and trans masculine, I never thought that I would be going through menopause. It all started this summer when I began experiencing perimenopause. It was a bit unexpected, but then again, as a non-binary person, I don't fit into the traditional image of someone going through menopause. And that's where the issue lies.
Even though I deserve inclusive care just like anyone else, the existing research and resources on menopause are not designed for people like me. This needs to change. When I came out as trans in 2021, I knew I needed to go on hormones to feel comfortable in my body. Thankfully, I was able to start hormone replacement therapy through a private service in December of that same year. I started seeing changes in my body that brought me so much joy and happiness.
Then, last year, my periods stopped. It was a relief to not have to deal with the heavy flow I used to have, but I still experienced period pain and mood swings at times. I never thought that I would be going through perimenopause so soon, as I still had some kind of menstrual cycle. But after weeks of experiencing pain, illness, and exhaustion, I realized that my hormone therapy could kickstart the menopause process. I had heard stories from other trans masculine people about their own experiences with menopause and how some needed localized estrogen treatment to combat symptoms, while others did not experience symptoms at all due to their testosterone prescription.
However, I was not prepared for the symptoms I would experience. The pain, illness, and exhaustion disrupted my life for weeks. At first, I thought I had caught a stomach virus, but as the symptoms persisted, I began to suspect that I was going through perimenopause. It was a difficult realization to come to, especially at the age of 32. Despite the discomfort and irritation, I have no regrets about my medical transition. The main issue I face is finding support that is inclusive of trans people.
When I booked a GP appointment, the care navigator on the phone was apologetic when they said they would need to refer me to women's health. This is something I have become used to, as even for appointments like smear tests, I am often referred to as a woman. However, I would not be opposed to the medical industry moving towards gender-neutral terms to avoid this issue. My body, hormone treatment, and very being as a non-binary person do not fit into the binary assumptions made about menopause.
My hormone balance works differently from the assumed cis female norm, and being on gender-affirming HRT means I cannot have the hormone therapy usually prescribed for menopause. This is because taking estrogen could have unwanted effects on my body and health. As my periods stopped in 2023 due to my hormone therapy, I am technically menopausal before being perimenopausal. It is a challenge to be treated and helped in this situation.
My doctor sent me off to try herbal remedies, which could take up to six months to work, and I was also given generic web pages as resources. However, these resources are mainly geared towards middle-aged women and their experiences with menopause. As someone who does not identify as a cis woman, I do not feel seen or heard by these resources. It is painful to not be considered when medical professionals and copywriters are trying to provide relief and comfort.
I understand that these resources are necessary for many older cis women who are also going through menopause and may be feeling vulnerable. However, it is clear that they are not designed for people like me. As a trans+ person, I long for my care to be seen as valid and for there to be medical research on menopause for trans+ individuals. Unfortunately, this is not likely to happen anytime soon, especially with the current climate around trans+ healthcare. But I hold onto hope that one day, we will be seen and acknowledged in this aspect of our health.
Until then, simply acknowledging that not just cis women experience menopause would go a long way in making medical help and advice more welcoming for trans+ individuals. I will continue to speak out about my experience as a perimenopausal, non-binary, trans masculine person, because we all deserve care and healing that accepts and values us for our full selves and life experiences. Do you have a similar experience? Share your story by emailing James.email or leave a comment below.
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