Can Birth Control Pills Help with Gender Dysphoria and in Transitioning?
Gender dysphoria refers to the psychological distress that arises from a discrepancy between an individual's gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. This condition can significantly impact mental health and overall well-being.
Individuals with gender dysphoria, mostly from the LGBTQIA+ community, often experience intense discomfort with their primary and secondary sexual characteristics, which can result in a persistent desire to alter these traits through hormone therapy or surgery.
Dr. Lizette Kristine Lopez, an Endocrinologist and Head of the Center for Gender Health at The Medical City, said that this discomfort can also lead to significant anxiety, depression, and emotional distress.
"The incongruence between gender identity and physical appearance can lead to social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and impaired functioning in daily activities," she said.
Recent studies indicate a prevalence rate of gender dysphoria ranging from 0.3% to 0.6% among the general population in several Asian countries. This condition often prompts individuals to seek gender-affirming care, which can include hormone therapy, surgery, and other medical interventions designed to align one's physical appearance with their gender identity. However, the availability and quality of healthcare services for transgender individuals vary significantly across the continent.
In the context of transitioning, hormone therapy is a key component. For transfeminine individuals, this typically involves estrogen and anti-androgens, while transmasculine individuals generally take testosterone. Birth control pills, while not the primary means of hormone therapy, can have a role in specific situations.
Dr. Lopez reminds the public that while birth control pills containing estrogen might be used as a supplement to hormone therapy, this is not the standard practice. The controlled dosage of estrogen in these pills can help regulate hormone levels, but it requires careful medical supervision to avoid side effects.
"It's actually not safe because aside from the doses are not right, they usually take this in an unsupervised manner. So, they may take a lot more... to achieve feminization. On the other hand, they may also be undertreating themselves, which can cause problems with lower testosterone and estrogen levels and lead to thinner bones. If it is too high, it can lead to breast cancer and clotting disorders," she explained.
Transmasculine individuals may use birth control pills to manage or halt menstrual cycles, especially before starting testosterone therapy. This can alleviate gender dysphoria associated with menstruation. Additionally, birth control pills can serve as contraception for those who are sexually active with partners producing sperm until testosterone therapy effectively suppresses ovulation.
The use of birth control pills in transitioning necessitates strict adherence to health guidelines. It is crucial to consult healthcare providers specializing in transgender health to receive personalized advice and monitoring. Potential side effects, such as blood clots and cardiovascular issues, must be considered, and regular blood tests and check-ups are essential to maintain balanced hormone levels. Furthermore, mental health support is vital throughout the transitioning process to address the emotional challenges that may arise.
Center for Gender Health offers comprehensive care for all our patients in the LGBTQIA+ community. The center involves physicians from different specializations in order to help patients achieve holistic well-being.
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