Period FAQs

can a transgender male have a period

by Dr. Maribel Lynch Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Having a period is not a feminine thing, and people of all genders menstruate, including non-binary people, agender people and even plenty of men! Menstruation doesn't change anything about your gender, it's just a thing that some bodies do.

Full Answer

Can males have periods?

Men experience similar symptoms to women when they go through hormonal imbalances. Many of them are similar to the female menstrual cycle including tiredness, cramps, increase sensitivity and cravings. According to one study, around 26 % of men experience these regular “man periods.” Men have hormonal cycles.

Can a female transgender get a period?

Therefore, while transgender women will not experience the bleeding part of the menstrual cycle, they can experience other PMDD-like symptoms, such as sore breasts, rapid mood shifts, and irritability.

What are the body parts of transgender?

Transgender women may have breast development (often underdeveloped), feminine fat redistribution, reduced muscle mass, thinned or absent body hair, thinned or absent facial hair, softened, thinner skin, and testicles that have decreased in size or completely retract.

Can a man have a baby?

A person who was born male and is living as a man cannot get pregnant. However, some transgender men and nonbinary people can. In most cases, including cis-men who have sex with men, male pregnancy is not possible.

Can you still get your period on testosterone?

Taking testosterone will usually cause changes to the menstrual cycle, and after some time taking testosterone, many people find that their menstruation stops completely.

How many genders are there in world?

There are many different gender identities, including male, female, transgender, gender neutral, non-binary, agender, pangender, genderqueer, two-spirit, third gender, and all, none or a combination of these.

Do boys have cramps?

Some guys describe cramping, spasming or tightness. Others have dull pain or sharp pain. There can be really weird symptoms, too, in your bowels or bladder.

What is gender dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a term that describes a sense of unease that a person may have because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity. This sense of unease or dissatisfaction may be so intense it can lead to depression and anxiety and have a harmful impact on daily life.

What are the challenges for trans men?

The hurdles some trans men and gender-nonconforming people who menstruate say they face include the high cost of period supplies, lack of access to the products, safety concerns and inadequate medical care. Some of these challenges were recently brought to light when a story about menstruation product maker Always removing the female sign from its sanitary products went viral in October.

What are the issues that trans people face during that time of the month?

Safety concerns and a lack of access to menstruation products are among the issues trans and gender-nonconforming people face during "that time of the month."

What are the barriers to menstruation?

Discrimination and stigma when seeking menstrual and reproductive care — ranging from treatment for an irregular menstrual cycle, to pap smears and cervical cancer screenings — are further obstacles for transgender people who menstruate.

Why are transgender people afraid of public restrooms?

Transgender Survey, the largest survey of trans people in the U.S., found that nearly 60 percent of transgender respondents reported being too afraid to use public restrooms due to fear of a confrontation. Twelve percent reported being verbally harassed while accessing a bathroom in the past year.

What happens if medical professionals don't adopt gender inclusivity into their practice?

Shah said that if medical professionals don’t adopt gender inclusivity into their medical practice, patients will likely be addressed with incorrect pronouns, asked irrelevant questions or experience delayed medical care.

What is the economic vulnerability of trans people?

Trans individuals, according to Heng-Lehtinen, “are experiencing poverty, unemployment and underemployment at higher rates, so there is absolutely economic vulnerability here.”

Is there a free menstrual hygiene product?

Some schools like New York University have taken steps to distribute free menstrual hygiene products across campus, specifically in women’s and gender-neutral restrooms and offices. While advocates applaud those prioritizing menstrual inclusivity, they argue these products should be in all restrooms.

How long did it take for hormone blockers to stop bleeding?

The hormone blockers dramatically decreased my bleeding during the first two months, and after three months both the bleeding and pain associated with my period came to a complete stop.

Is everyone who gets a period a woman?

Not everyone who gets a period is a woman.

Is it normal to not feel like you have a period?

You should know that what you're going through is normal, and that it's OK to not feel like yourself. A period in and of itself can be uncomfortable for any individual, and being transgender adds another emotional layer to that.

Can transgender people take hormones?

Hormone therapy can really be tailored to fit a trans person's goals; so some trans people, sometimes depending on what age they decide to transition, may skip hormone blockers and just take gender-affirming hormones. Taking testosterone also typically stops menstruation after a few months (although some individuals just get unlucky ...

How do transgender women transition?

Transgender women can transition in a variety of ways. One way that a person may transition is through the use of gender-affirming hormone therapy. Transgender women who undergo hormone therapy may take oral, transdermal, or injectable versions of estrogen. They may also use anti-androgens, such as progesterone.

Why is it important not to say that a person is not transgender?

It is important never to say that a person is not transgender because they have not transitioned using a certain method.

What is PMS and PMDD?

However, PMS and PMDD are terms that refer to the physical and emotional symptoms that people may experience before their period begins. These conditions occur due to fluctuations in hormones. The symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS but are more severe. Learn more about how PMDD and PMS differ here. Transgender women can transition in ...

What is the treatment for transgender women?

Transgender women may undergo gender-affirming treatment, such as hormone therapy . As a side effect of hormone therapy , they may experience symptoms similar to those of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). While some symptoms of PMS and PMDD are physical, others are emotional or psychological.

What is the term for the part of the menstrual cycle in which blood, comprising uterine lining?

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) states that a period is the part of the menstrual cycle in which blood, comprising uterine lining, leaves the body. People who do not have ovaries and a uterus do not experience periods. However, PMS and PMDD are terms that refer to the physical and emotional symptoms that people may experience ...

How to track trans women?

Trans women can track their symptoms in several ways, the most simple of which is to keep a diary. People can note down which symptoms they experience when, which may help them discover any patterns.

Is PMDD physical or emotional?

While some symptoms of PMS and PMDD are physical, others are emotional or psychological.

How many trans men have been refused care?

One in five trans men in the US has been refused care due to their identity, and half have postponed doctor’s visits due to discrimination. At least one has died due to a reproductive cancer that doctors refused to treat because of his trans status.

Why does it terrify me to have my period again?

The thought of having a period again terrifies me not just because of the dysphoria and unbearable physical pain I used to experience when menstruating, but because I believe the medical system would do little to help me.

When the general needs of people who menstruate are of concern, it is vital to talk about them?

When the general needs of people who menstruate are of concern, it is vital to talk about people who menstruate, rather than shut out people who need support simply because they are not women. Solidarity between women who menstruate is vital, but there also need to be initiatives that aim at meeting the needs of all people who menstruate.

Why don't people take testosterone?

Many others don’t take testosterone, either because it isn’t right for them, or because the health care system has kept them waiting. Recently, the corner of Twitter interested in feminism and gender diversity had a row over transgender inclusion.

Who should be included in advocacy for menstruation?

If advocacy for people who menstruate aims to help the most vulnerable, then it must include people who are dealing with their period in these very difficult circumstances, including not just homeless cis women, but homeless trans people.

Do trans people pay taxes?

Unfortunately, trans people pay the same luxury goods taxes as everyone else, but they’re statistically less likely to be able to afford it— in the US, 15 percent of trans people (16 percent of trans men) earn less than $10k a year, compared to four percent of the general population.

Do trans men get cervical cancer screenings?

Under the NHS in the UK, trans men are not automatically invited for cervical cancer screenings, and instead must persuade their doctors to provide them.

How long does it take to conceive a child after stopping testosterone?

They found that most respondents were able to conceive a child within six months of stopping testosterone. Five of these people conceived without having first resumed menstruation.

Where was the first baby born from a uterus transplant?

The first baby born from a transplanted uterus arrived in Sweden during October of 2014. While this procedure is still in its early experimental stages, several other babies have been born through this method. Most recently, a family in India welcomed a baby from a transplanted womb, the first such case in the country. Of course, like many such technologies, this method was developed with cisgender women in mind. But many have begun to speculate that this procedure could also apply to transgender women and other AMAB folks. Dr. Richard Paulson, the former president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, suggested that uterine transplants for trans women and AMAB folks are more or less possible now. He added, “There would be additional challenges, but I don’t see any obvious problem that would preclude it.” It’s likely that supplementation to replicate hormonal phases during pregnancy would be necessary. Cesarean section would also be necessary for those who have undergone gender confirmation surgery.

Does testosterone cause gender dysphoria?

Ceasing the use of testosterone may also exacerbate feelings of gender dysphoria. It’s important to note that discomfort and dysphoria aren’t a given for all trans folks who become pregnant. In fact, some people find that the experience of being pregnant and giving birth enhances their connection to their body.

Does testosterone affect pregnancy?

Researchers in the aforementioned 2013 survey didn’t find any significant differences in pregnancy between those who did and didn’t use testosterone. Some folks did report hypertension, preterm labor, placental interruption, and anemia, but these numbers were consistent with those of cisgender women. Interestingly, none of those respondents who reported anemia had ever taken testosterone. Anemia is common among cisgender women during pregnancy. However, pregnancy can be a challenging time emotionally.

Can a man have a child?

Yes, it’s possible for men to become pregnant and give birth to children of their own. In fact, it’s probably a lot more common than you might think. In order to explain, we’ll need to break down some common misconceptions about how we understand the term “man.” Not all people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) identify as men. Those who do are “ cisgender ” men. Conversely, some people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) identify as men. These folks may be “transgender” men or transmasculine people.

Can you get pregnant with testosterone?

Still, it isn’t entirely unheard of for people who are on testosterone to become pregnant from having unprotected vaginal sex. Due to a lack of research and variations in individual physiology, it’s still not entirely clear how effective testosterone use is as a method of pregnancy prevention.

Is a body part gendered?

No body part, nor bodily function, is inherently gendered. If your body can gestate a fetus, and that’s something you happen to want — then it’s for you, too.”. People who experience gender dysphoria may find that these feelings intensify as their body changes to accommodate the pregnancy.

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Economic Vulnerability

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A box of 36 tampons, which could easily be used within one menstruation period, could cost as much as $12 — that’s significantly more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Additionally, menstrual hygiene products sold in the U.S. are still subject to sales tax in32 states. A survey published last year in the journal…
See more on nbcnews.com

Lack of Access

  • Not only are transgender individuals impacted by the cost of menstrual products, but they also may not have access to them when they are free. While they are sometimes available without cost in women’s restrooms, Gabriel Arkles, senior staff attorney at the ACLU's LGBT & HIV Project, said that those who menstruate who feel more comfortable using male restrooms will almost never …
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Safety Concerns

  • Even if cost is a nonissue, using a men’s restroom can be daunting for those who have their period. The sound of opening a tampon or pad, or simply carrying one, can lead to unwanted attention. “You might have this monthly terror where you’re concerned that if you go to the restroom, and someone sees a tampon, then they’re going to start asking questions,” Heng-Lehti…
See more on nbcnews.com

Inadequate Care

  • Discrimination and stigma when seeking menstrual and reproductive care — ranging from treatment for an irregular menstrual cycle, to pap smears and cervical cancer screenings — are further obstacles for transgender people who menstruate. TheU.S.Transgender Surveyreported that 1 in 3 respondents had at least one negative experience with a heath care...
See more on nbcnews.com

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