Transitioning as a Person with Disabilities

[KeissaX25]

Transitioning is a difficult process that is made more difficult due to the lack of drugs made for those who have disabilities. Those who go through dysphoria along with disabilities have few choices for transitioning, especially those who are transgender. Many hormone blockers are high blood pressure medications and cannot be used by people who have heart and blood disorders along with other health issues. This makes the LGBTQ community inequitable. This topic is for hopefully changing the culture and possibly getting people with disabilites as part of the conversation

[Kelly2509]

Half the people I know who have or are transitioning have disabilities of some kind and they don't seem to have any issues with medications and whatnot.  Not saying there aren't conditions that DO have issues with the tools/options available, I just have not encountered anyone facing the kinds of problems you mention so I think calling the entire community inequitable is a bit of a reach.  perhaps there is a better way to frame the question?

[KeissaX25]

Hi Kelly,

 

I have a case of aortic regurgitation and cannot take spiranolactone due to it being a high blood pressure medicine. I also have a blood disorder that prevents me from taking blood thinners as well. I feel that it is really unfair that there is spiranolactone as anti-androgen because of these two medical issues I have thus preventing me from transitioning.

[VickySGV]

Antiandrogens are NOT 100% necessary for Transition as a competent care team can tell you.  You need to find one starting with a therapist and the others.  Estrogen comes in many forms that do not cause the hell with your blood stream, liver and other organs that other forms do.  Which delivery method you use is between you and your doctor, and second, third and more opinions may be necessary.  I have suffered a blood clot 6 years ago and am on Estrogen via a patch. Again, that is why you need a competent and knowledgeable care team before you beat yourself up too far with self pity.  Add in a pharmacist to the team while you are at it.  

I do agree that the Trans Statistical Population does have its share of medical snobs who can take whatever they think they need without harm, but on this site we will keep pushing you to get a Transition Medical Team on your side so you can decide. You live in an area where several Trans Care providers are there for you.   There are as many ways to be Trans as there are people who decide they are.  There is no such thing as a single way to be a TRUE Trans person and those who say there is, are not invited to my parties or events.   

[Kelly2509]

14 hours ago, KeissaX25 said:

Hi Kelly,

 

I have a case of aortic regurgitation and cannot take spiranolactone due to it being a high blood pressure medicine. I also have a blood disorder that prevents me from taking blood thinners as well. I feel that it is really unfair that there is spiranolactone as anti-androgen because of these two medical issues I have thus preventing me from transitioning.

Hi!  That's a total bummer, but as Vicky said you don't need anti-androgens for transition.  I myself have long term hypertension issues (I'm on a blood pressure meds cocktail) and my doctor recommended going the injection route to avoid other potential blood pressure and liver issues that are associated with the anti-androgen pill regimen.  I take no anti-androgens and my T has been under control the entire time, but that has to do with my choice of delivery method.  It kind of sounds like you may need to discuss options with your doctor because they are out there.

 

To echo something Vicky said, having a good medical team is important and they can point you in the right direction based on your specific needs.  It's not hopeless, you may just have to know the right questions to ask your doctor.