Health concerns for transgender people

Everyone faces certain health risks. But there are specific health concerns that transgender and gender-diverse people need to be aware of.

Some of these health concerns may be due to an experience called gender minority stress, which often involves:

• Negative attitudes and disapproval toward transgender and gender-diverse people. This is sometimes called social stigma.
• Discrimination, abuse, harassment, neglect, rejection or unfair treatment of transgender and gender-diverse people.
• Turning the negative attitudes or behaviors of others into negative attitudes and thoughts about oneself. This is called internalized stigma.

Gender minority stress is linked to transgender and gender-diverse people seeking preventive healthcare and health screenings less often than do other people. This might be due to a lack of insurance coverage, being refused care, difficulty finding a healthcare professional with expertise in transgender care or fear of discrimination in a healthcare setting.

Because of gender minority stress, transgender people may be at higher risk of:

• Emotional and psychological abuse.
• Physical and sexual violence.
• Sexually transmitted infections.
• Substance misuse.
• Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide.

Don't avoid getting healthcare out of concern that you may have a negative interaction with a healthcare professional. Look for a professional who has expertise in transgender health, who understands your concerns and who puts you at ease.

For guidance finding a healthcare professional with transgender expertise, check the websites for WPATH: World Professional Association for Transgender Health and GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality.

Once you find a healthcare professional with whom you feel comfortable and safe, be open about your health history. Topics you might want to discuss with your healthcare team include:

• Health concerns you may have.
• Medicines or supplements you take or have taken.
• Surgeries or procedures you've had.
• Any family history of medical conditions you may have.
• Your sexual health history.
• Stress or discrimination you may have experienced and how you cope.
• Mental health concerns you may have, including anxiety, depression, or any past suicidal thoughts or attempts.

The more your healthcare team knows about you, the better equipped they will be to help guide your healthcare.

It's important that you get the vaccinations you need, as well as tests to screen for possible health issues. Talk with your healthcare professional about what's right for you.

Depending on your age and the reproductive organs you have, recommended screenings may include tests for the following conditions:

• Breast cancer.
• Cervical cancer.
• Colon cancer.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Hepatitis.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Osteoporosis.
• Prostate cancer.

Your healthcare professional also may recommend screenings for:

• Mental health conditions.
• Substance misuse.
• Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
• Intimate partner violence.

If you've had gender-affirming care — such as hormone therapy or surgery — tell your healthcare professional about it. Based on that information, you may need additional screenings or preventive care.

Your health is important. If you're due for a screening, don't put it off. And share with your healthcare professional any health concerns you might have. Open communication between you and your care team can help promote good long-term health.