Gender transitioning for seniors has risks

[traci_k]

Gender transitioning for seniors has risks
Experts say people become less responsive to hormone's later in life

http://www.wcti12.com/lifestyle/health/gender-transitioning-for-seniors-has-risks/33383860

(CNN) -via WCTI

By Carina Storrs Special to CNN
POSTED: 5:07 PM Jun 03 2015   UPDATED: 12:11 PM Jun 04 2015

When Caitlyn Jenner, 65, announced herself to the world on Monday, she joined a group of high-profile transgender women that includes Laverne Cox, star of "Orange is the New Black," and Chelsea Manning. Jenner's debut was greeted with an outpouring of support on Twitter, including politicians thanking her for bringing awareness to transgender people.


Jenner's story, and others', is indeed bringing gender transitioning, which can involve surgery, hormonal therapy and behavioral changes, into the mainstream. "There's certainly a growing acceptance of gender diversity and understanding of how important [affirming internal gender] is," said Dr. Timothy Cavanaugh, medical director of the Transgender Health Program at Fenway Health.
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[suzifrommd]

Despite the sensational headline, the risks detailed in the article seem minimal. The seem limited to the fact that weight distribution may be less, and that there may be higher likelihood of necrosis. They also point out that surgery of any kind is more complex for older folk.

A more accurate headline might be "Risks are minimal when seniors transition".

[traci_k]

Good point Suzi. It took me a while to think a good comment through but you are right about the risks, especially when you try to balance them with the pain and depression older trans-women experience in not transitioning, and trying to live as male.

[katrinaw]

Definitely less effective (for me), I originally heard for every 10 years after puberty onset HRT was a less effective for 10 years... I started at 50, 12 years of HRT, not as effective as I wanted but better than my worst thoughts by a long way... Its part of the reason I held of on transition till last year...

As far as ops go, yeah will need to think a little more about those, certainly healing takes longer without the complications of things that may go wrong? Anyway next set of thoughts 

L Katy 

[Tysilio]

My first response to this was "Well, duh..."  Everything takes longer in older bodies.

It's true that at 63, it's taking me a lot longer than younger guys for hormones to do their thing -- hair growth is a lot slower than I'd like, and it's pretty hard for me to put on muscle. On the other hand, my voice has dropped nicely, I'm a lot stronger than I've ever been, and I'm now read as male 100% of the time. The one change that's happening fast is that I'm starting to go bald -- but, oh well, I know it helps me pass.

And, yeah, I worry about surgery -- I know I heal more slowly now. So, top surgery for sure, but right now the complications of bottom surgery seem a bit too risky.  And I have to worry more about high cholesterol, heart disease, and whatnot, and maybe I'll die younger. No one knows when they'll die, and who'd want to?

But guess what, kids, life isn't risk-free no matter what, and when you consider the alternatives to transitioning -- I'd probably be dead right now.

I could die in two weeks on the solo canoe trip I'm taking, or on the drive to get there (the latter is more likely, statistically).  So I should stay home and look at my four walls? Don't think so...

[Arch]

The headline is stupid and pointless. You can easily change it to "eating a banana has risks," and the statement would be no less accurate.

[Joi]

I started my transition in Dec. at age 67 with breast aug. The emotional lift was immensely gratifying. Recovery was uneventful.  Took hormones from 1997 to 2002 at age 50 through 55 with no andro blockers. Minimal breast development and many of the expected results, thinner softer skin, positive emotional changes, fat re-distribution, slower growth of body hair, finer body hair. I started hormones again this year in March (estradiol,medroxyprogesterone,spiro) At 90 days in, I am seeing some of the effects, but confirming the comments of others, things are happening at a slower pace. I will be patient though and be grateful for what nature will allow at this advanced age.  I am planning GRS in 2016. I'll be 68 then, but I know that I must have this before I die.  I am willing to take the risks involved.  It's been a lifelong dream and I need this for me.
   

[anne_indy]

I started my transition in Dec. at age 67 with breast aug. The emotional lift was immensely gratifying. Recovery was uneventful.  .....  It's been a lifelong dream and I need this for me.

Joi, I am encouraged to read your post. I too am over 60 and have pushed my female identity down as life's responsibilities dominated. I reached a point where I had to explore my woman ness. I ache to have my mind and body conformed. I wish you a safe and rewarding journey forward.

[traci_k]

Joi, you are very encouraging. I hope the rest of your transition is smooth and joyous.

As I missed some of your earlier posts, Welcome to Susan's.

[Joi]

Thx anne_indy! Yes, like you "life's responsibilities dominated."  That's why I stopped the E in 2002. I'm in a much better place now and regardless of my age I am letting my needs dominate.

[Joi]

Thx traci_k! Yes, we all need to encourage each other & thx for the welcome.  I am new here (as you can see from my status) and just learning the ropes of the sys.  Look forward to sharing & learning from all.