MTF mammograms

[KathyLauren]

When should a trans woman start having mammograms?  Does it go by the age of the breasts (1 year) or the age of the DNA that they grew from (63 years) or somewhere in between?

[AnneK]

Perhaps that's a question for your doctor.

[HappyMoni]

Cute picture Kathy! I go every year. In fact I go for my second next week. Last one with little boobs hopefully.

[Devlyn]

My doctor said we'd start mammograms after 5 years on HRT. A call or email should get you an answer.

Hugs, Devlyn

[sarah1972]

I think it depends mostly on your doctor.
Mine is very adamant that I get one before the 2 year HRT mark. I will be 46 by that time. But I do have a family history of breast cancer too and my doctor is an OB/GYN. I'll get the referral this summer and have to have it completed by the end of the year, otherwise she will cut me off my hormones...

[Devlyn]

This is pretty obviously going to be a YDMMV* topic. 

*Your Doctor's Mileage May Vary

[Julia1996]

My Dr made me get a mammogram. I couldn't understand why because of my age. I was only 19 at the time. She said for a baseline, whatever that means. But she prescribes my hrt so I do what she asks. The technician who did it also thought it was strange considering my age. I totally did not like having a mammogram at all!

[epvanbeveren]

My PCP doctor's RN told me it might be good idea to get one. I will check with my next endo appointment in May, to see what he sais. My RN is very helpful and supportive in my (trans) health. I am thinking to go in June or so.

I am 2.5 years on hrt.

[Northern Star Girl]

I just had a Mammogram last December in the nearest larger city... the very small town I live in just has a very small hospital. ...          NOTE:  It is called a boob-squisher for a good reason!!!!
Everything checked out OK. 
I was a little nervous about having the exam and taking my top and bra off....  The tech was very surprised when I told her that I am a trans-woman.  That was good for my ears to hear.

[SadieBlake]

I started HRT at 59, my endocrinologist said wrt both estrogen and progesterone risk if breast cancer is a cumulative one that begins to accrue with onset of feminine breast growth.

My PCP agrees and is glad to leave off mammograms until 5 years on HRT.

[KathyLauren]

My PCP agrees and is glad to leave off mammograms until 5 years on HRT.

Following up on my own thread, Someone in my local support group posted that they know someone working for the breast screening program.  Apparently there are new draft guidelines in the works for trans women.  They will recommend that trans women over 50 should start getting mammograms after 5 years on HRT.

[Susan]

Your age. I get mine at the local health department starting at age 50.

[Donna]

I've had one in the past but my doctor isn't concerned at this point as long as I keep doing self exams and my doc checks them once every 3 months when I'm in.