More often than not, periods are considered a women’s issue. But this is far from the truth, because the sex assigned at birth may be different from one’s gender identity, which is an innate sense of self as male, female, or else. As a result, menstruation is the biological reality of transgender individuals, making them vulnerable to its emotional and physical effects. Continue reading this blog to understand how menstruation affects transgender men and women.

Who Are Trans Men?

Trans men are individuals who were assigned female at birth but identify and live as men. They may experience gender dysphoria, which is a feeling of distress or discomfort caused by a disconnect between one's gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. Trans men may seek medical interventions such as hormone therapy or gender confirmation surgery to align their physical body with their gender identity.

Not all trans men choose to undergo medical interventions, and their gender identity is still valid regardless of any medical procedures they may or may not undergo. Trans men come from diverse backgrounds and may identify with different sexual orientations and gender expressions.

Can A Transgender Male Have Periods?

Yes, some transgender men may bleed during the time of the month, depending on the testosterone they are taking. The level of discomfort, pain, and gender dysphoria vary from one trans man to another. However, most trans men experience the physical and emotional symptoms that occur before and during menstruation. Additionally, the stigma and unwanted attention around men purchasing and using menstrual hygiene products add to their stress during periods.

Who Are Trans Women?

A trans woman is a woman who was labelled male at birth based on her biological sex characteristics, but thinks, feels, and lives as a woman. Like trans men, trans women may also experience gender dysphoria, leading to social and emotional challenges. The gender transitioning process for trans women involves a range of combination of hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries. However, undergoing such a procedure is a choice that depends on several factors.

Can A Transgender Woman Get Periods?

Menstruation for transgender women is unlike typical menstrual periods. The symptoms of a menstrual cycle (such as cramping, bloating, and mood swings) are typically associated with the hormonal changes that occur in a cisgender woman's body as a result of ovulation and menstruation. Since trans women do not have ovaries, they do not ovulate or menstruate and, therefore, do not experience these specific symptoms.

However, trans women who undergo hormone therapy may experience side effects similar to those experienced during a menstrual cycle, such as breast tenderness, mood changes, and energy levels, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. In addition, in some cases, trans women may experience light bleeding or spotting due to the hormonal changes caused by estrogen therapy. Additionally, not all trans women will experience these side effects, and some may not desire to experience them at all.

Menstrual Well-Being Tips For Transgender Individuals

The menstrual journey can be a challenging experience for transgender individuals, especially those who have not undergone gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgery. Here are six ways that can ease the menstrual journey of transgender individuals:

• Use menstrual products that match your gender identity: Menstrual products such as pads, tampons, or menstrual cups are essential for managing menstrual bleeding. Transgender individuals can choose products that match their gender identity. For instance, a transgender man may prefer to use pads or tampons with neutral packaging or those marketed to men.

• Consider hormonal birth control: Hormonal birth control can help reduce the frequency and intensity of menstrual bleeding. Transgender individuals should discuss their options with their healthcare provider, including using continuous birth control pills or long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods such as the intrauterine hormonal device (IUD).

• Consider gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgery: Gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgery can help transgender individuals align their bodies with their gender identity. Hormone therapy can help reduce or stop menstrual bleeding, while surgery such as hysterectomy or oophorectomy is for removing uterus or ovaries, respectively, eliminating menstrual bleeding. Transgender individuals can discuss their options with a gender-affirming healthcare provider.

• Track Your Periods: Period tracking can be important in order to monitor changes in menstrual cycle due to hormone therapy and managing gender dysphoria, as well as monitoring their reproductive health. For example, trans men taking testosterone may experience irregular periods or a complete cessation of their menstrual cycle. On the other hand, trans women who undergo hormone therapy may experience an onset of menstruation or changes in their menstrual cycle. By tracking their menstrual cycle, transgender individuals can monitor any changes and discuss them with their healthcare provider to ensure they are receiving the appropriate treatment. Similarly, for some transgender individuals, menstruation can trigger gender dysphoria. By tracking their menstrual cycle, transgender individuals can prepare for menstruation and manage their dysphoria more effectively.

• Practice self-care: Menstrual symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and fatigue can be managed with self-care strategies. Transgender individuals can try taking warm baths, using a heating pad, practicing relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing), and getting enough rest.

• Seek support: Menstruation can be an isolating experience for transgender individuals, especially if they do not have access to supportive healthcare or social networks. Seeking support from healthcare providers, friends, or online communities can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with menstrual bleeding.

Transgender individuals may have a variety of experiences with menstruation depending on their gender identity and their physical anatomy. Therefore, they should talk to a healthcare provider about their specific needs and concerns regarding menstruation and find resources and support from their community.