A 2nd Research Study from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health

[Petra Jane]

Once again we have been asked to draw your attention to a Research Study organised by Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

 

Excited to announce recruitment for a new study on the experiences of menstrual cycle symptoms in AMAB trans & gender-diverse individuals on estrogen hormone therapy! This project is led by a trans nonbinary researcher affiliated with Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and UNC School of Medicine (Harvard Longwood IRB #IRB22-1615).

This study team has noticed that AMAB TGD individuals on GAHT have been actively engaged in community discussion about a lesser-known set of symptoms that resemble those experienced during a menstrual cycle. Based on anecdotal accounts, the symptoms and associated impairment often seem to closely align with diagnoses such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Despite the wider medical and research community's lack of awareness regarding this phenomenon, AMAB TGD individuals have spent years looking to peers for answers and validation. Persistent community and patient commentary highlight the necessity for a deeper understanding of the nature and etiology of these menstrual cycle-like symptoms. We hope this research will ignite conversation and education so that this is experience that is no longer invalidated by the medical community.

The survey is completely anonymous and should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. It is made up of multiple choice questions about your symptoms in addition to short answer questions because your story and voice is the most important.

Feel free to message or email ([email protected]) with questions and any feedback !

 

The study can be found here.

[KathyLauren]

Nice to see someone taking the anecdotal evidence seriously and looking into it.

[Birdie]

Well then, I guess because I'm not taking estrogen "yet" I don't qualify for the study. 

I'll come back after my doctor prescribes my low dose to address my hot flashes. 🤔

[Charlize]

Funny how so few questions really applied to me as a topical, daily user of E.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Ashley0616]

On 5/31/2023 at 7:07 AM, Petra Jane said:

The study can be found here.

Thank you I just completed it. 

[Birdie]

Here is a great article on the subject:

 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-trans-women-get-periods#symptoms

 

In my case since I have a uterus and no ovaries (intersex), everything now just makes sense including the bloating and abdominal pain that was written off as IBS all those years. 

[Ivy]

TBH, if I have any symptoms, I'm oblivious to them.

[KathyLauren]

Since I saw this thread, I have been keeping track.  Holy cow, can you say "regular"?  As clockwork.

 

 

[Birdie]

2 minutes ago, KathyLauren said:

Since I saw this thread, I have been keeping track.  Holy cow, can you say "regular"?  As clockwork.

 

 

My symptoms are "very regular" as well, and I'm not on HRT. 

[Ivy]

On 7/31/2023 at 5:45 PM, Hannah Renee said:

Same here, perhaps because I didn't start on E until age 69, well past male or female menopause.

This is me as well.

It's weird being "old" yet feeling like a teenager at times.

Another thing is that being on the patches, I don't think my levels fluctuate as much as, say, injections.