|
About
Us
Quick
Ref
Information
Real
Lives
Online
Library
Publications
Other
LInks
Contact
Us
|
Hormone Therapy
After a diagnosis of transsexualism, an
individual (identified female at birth)
who has a male brain sex, is treated with the
hormone testosterone. This is the hormone
chiefly responsible for the physical changes in
boys and men who physically produce their own
testosterone.
Testosterone administration under medical
supervision for treatment of transsexualism
produces gradual changes over a period of time
similar to natural male puberty.
Masculinising effects of testosterone usually
include:
- A permanent deepening of the voice
- Cessation of menstruation
- Increased strength and energy, lower
sleep demands, increased alertness and a
slightly higher body temperature
- Oil and sweat glands become more active
which may result in acne (treatable by
conventional methods)
- Slightly altered body odours
- Increase in weight, and redistribution of
excess body fat (away from hips, buttocks and
upper thighs, on to the waist and torso)
- Growth of facial and coarser body hair,
similar to other male members of the
family
- Male pattern baldness is a possibility
depending on the family's tendency to
baldness.
Testosterone will not alter height, size of
hands or feet, or bone structure.
Some people report mood swings or heightened
feelings of aggression. On the other hand many
report the opposite - that the relief
experienced through hormone therapy and other
rehabilitative steps, results in a calmer,
happier, more sociable demeanour.
An Overview of Surgeries
The first thing you need to realise
about surgery is that for males it is not just
"a surgery" but a series of surgeries. There are
a number of options, and a growing number of
techniques being performed around the world.
Chest Surgery
This is the surgery most often, and
perhaps most urgently, required by men. In this
procedure the incisions and reconstruction are
carried out with the intended result of a
contoured, male-looking chest.
Surgery to Reproductive Organs
Many men undergo complete hysterectomy
(removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and
cervix) as well as oophorectomy (removal of the
ovaries). Competent gynaecologists routinely
perform these operations, though men undergoing
such procedures may feel more comfortable
accessing the services of someone with a
demonstrated awareness of transsexualism, such
as a doctor who has treated other transsexual
men.
Lower surgery
Some men undergo surgery to reshape
genitalia, such as procedures to lengthen the
urethra or create a phallus. Currently all
options for lower surgery are expensive and
carry a high risk of infection and other
complications. None of the current methods can
produce a totally realistic or fully functioning
penis.
Dr David Hunter-Smith, plastic and
reconstructive surgeon, offers
a more extensive description of lower surgery
here.
So He's Having Surgery
Ideas for helping your loved one at
this time:
- In advance of surgery, you could assist
him to research techniques and surgeons,
discuss questions to ask, accompany him to
medical appointments if he would like you
to.
- If money is an obstacle to surgery
parents who can financially afford it might
lend money for this purpose. Assistance might
also be needed to cover loss of income during
the recuperation period.
- Encourage him to live healthily, such as
eating a balanced diet and giving up smoking,
prior to surgery. This will assist the
healing process.
- Offer a lift to the hospital, be there
when he wakes up, visit, send cards, phone
him so he knows you care.
- Look after his pet cat, dog or
goldfish.
- Offer a place to stay with you while he
recovers from surgery.
- Stock his freezer with healthy meals.
Help with household tasks especially those
involving heavy lifting, or run errands as
required.
- Allow him to talk about his feelings,
share in his happiness.
Citation
— Elizabeth (2004). Stand by your man (and
stay sane in the process!).
Family
Section
|
