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November 17, 2017 - Transgender Health by Samaneh Dowlatshahi, MD

Samaheh Dowlatshahik, MD at Beebe Endocrinology

 

Talking to Your Doctor About Transgender Health

Coming out to your family and friends, and explaining that you are transitioning is one thing. However, coming out to your doctor is just as important.

Your doctor is your partner in your health journey. As such, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about your sexual health and your transition. In my practice, I work with a wide population of patients, including transgender or gender non-conforming patients.

Did you know that .6 percent of the U.S. population identifies as transgender? That’s 1.4 million people.

Some of my patients have explained that throughout their lives they had a feeling of dysphoria—a state of being uneasy or feeling dissatisfied with themselves or their lives. By transitioning, they have found self-acceptance and affirmation, and they now feel they are living as they were intended.

Those who are transitioning go through many steps and may require multiple physicians or care providers to complete cross-hormone therapy, surgical procedures (gender confirming), facial feminization, breast augmentation or reduction, and the social transition. There are also those who work with patients to do voice therapy.

The relief of dysphoria is the goal of my work. I work with patients to assess their overall health and wellbeing as well as the health of their endogenous reproductive organs. Often, we test hormone levels to establish a baseline before prescribing any hormone therapy. I also have each patient complete lab work to assess any levels that may be affected by treatment.

It is also important to have a discussion about potential risks the patient may face, or concerns they might have about their transition.
Patients may also want to discuss fertility issues, such as opportunities to preserve sperm or eggs for future use.

One therapy we offer at Beebe Endocrinology is called gross hormone therapy. This therapy suppresses or blocks the biologic hormones and gradually increases the cross-sex hormone.

In addition, as your health partner, I monitor your blood tests, keep records of your hormone levels based on your desired sex, and talk to you about any preventive health measures.

When transitioning it is key to work with someone who is able to monitor all your levels, including electrolytes, lipids, and liver enzymes. It is also beneficial to work with someone you trust and someone you can talk to because often there are other health issues that also need to be discussed, including age-appropriate screenings and lifestyle choices.

Transitioning can be a long and difficult journey. However, with the right physicians and care providers, as well as friends and family, by your side, it can be a journey that affirms your true self.

Samaneh Dowlatshahi, MD, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Fellowship Trained in Endocrinology. She practices at Beebe Endocrinology, 1526 Savannah Road, Lewes. For more information or to make an appointment, call (302) 645-2244.

‹ November 17, 2017 - Eating Out by Fay Jacobs up November 17, 2017 - Ask the Doctor by Michael J. Hurd, Ph.D., LCSW ›

Past Issues

Issues Index

  • November 17, 2017 - Issue Index
    • November 17, 2017 - The Way I See It by Steve Elkins
    • November 17, 2017 - In Brief
    • November 17, 2017 - Speak Out - Letters to Letters
    • November 17, 2017 - Women's FEST 2018
    • November 17, 2017 - CAMPmatters by Murray Archibald
    • November 17, 2017 - CAMP Out by Fay Jacobs
    • November 17, 2017 - CAMP Stories by Rich Barnett
    • November 17, 2017 - It's My Life by Michael Thomas Ford
    • November 17, 2017 - Art Words by Brent Mundt
    • November 17, 2017 - Before the Beach by Kim Butler
    • November 17, 2017 - Straight Talk by David Garrett
    • November 17, 2017 - Member Spotlight
    • November 17, 2017 - Booked Solid by Terri Schlichenmeyer
    • November 17, 2017 - CAMPnotes - CAMP Chorus by Glen Pruitt
    • November 17, 2017 - Health Notes
    • November 17, 2017 - We Remember
    • November 17, 2017 - Volunteer Spotlight by Monica Parr
    • November 17, 2017 - Volunteer Thank You
    • November 17, 2017 - The CAMP Report 2016
    • November 17, 2017 - CAMP Arts by Doug Yetter
    • November 17, 2017 - CAMPshots Gallery 1
    • November 17, 2017 - CAMPshots Gallery 2
    • November 17, 2017 - Amazon Trail by Lee Lynch
    • November 17, 2017 - CAMP Dates
    • November 17, 2017 - Last Summer at Bluefish Cove
    • November 17, 2017 - Eating Out by Fay Jacobs
    • November 17, 2017 - Transgender Health by Samaneh Dowlatshahi, MD
    • November 17, 2017 - Ask the Doctor by Michael J. Hurd, Ph.D., LCSW
  • October 20, 2017 - Issue Index
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