Primary Care for the Transgender Patient Cyril K. Goshima, M.D. Internal Medicine Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine John A. Burns School of Medicine

Primary Care for the Transgender Patient Basis of Talk Definition Barriers to Care Standard of Care Case Studies

Basis of Talk Personal Experience Lori Kohler, M.D. presentation to Pacific AIDS Education Training Center “Medical Care of Transsexual Patients” Dr. Kathleen A. Oriel, M.D., Journal of the Gay & lesbian Medical Association, 2000

Definitions Transsexual: refers to a person who is born with the genetic traits of one gender, but has the internalized identity of another gender Transgender: Includes transsexuals, cross dressers, transvestites, biologically inter- sexed Gender Identity Disorder Replaced Transsexualism in DSM-IV

Gender Identity Disorder Strong and persistent cross-gender identification Manifested by symptoms such as the desire to be treated as the other sex, passing as the other sex, the conviction that he or she has the typical symptoms of the other sex Persistent discomfort with his or her sex or sense of inappropriateness in their gender role

Gender Identity Disorder No concurrent physical inter-sex condition Disturbance causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

Barriers to Care Lack of Providers: provider ignorance Lack of Clinical Research Limited Medical Literature Lack of Insurance Coverage for Treatments Patient Issues: marginalized patients, social stigma

Standards of Care Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association – Published 6 th Version of Standards of Care, February hbigda/ hbigda/ Who was Harry Benjamin, M.D.? Association made up of professionals from various fields of medicine

Readiness for Treatment Past Puberty: 18 years of age Demonstrate knowledge of social and medical risk and benefits of therapy Real life experience for at least 3 months or psychotherapy for 3 months Attempt made toward elimination of barriers to emotional well being and mental health

Treatments Psychotherapy Hormonal Therapy Sexual Reassignment Surgery

Primary Care of Transgender Patients Knowledge of standards of care Risk and benefits of hormonal therapy Psychosocial Support Risk Assessment for HIV/STD Age and gender specific health maintenance

Female to Male: Testosterone Therapy Reversible Changes Cessation of menses Increase libido, changes in sexual behavior Increase in muscle mass Redistribution of fat Increase sweating, change in body odor Weight gain, fluid redistribution Prominence of veins, coarser skin Acne Mild Breast Atrophy Emotional Changes

FTM: Risks of Testosterone Therapy Changes in Lipids: Incr. HDL, Decr. TG Insulin Resistance Incr. Homocysteine Levels Hepatotoxicity Polycythemia ? Effects on Breast, Endometrial, Ovarian Tissue Incr. Risk of Sleep Apnea

FTM: Continuing Care Legal Issues Surgical Options: Mastectomy, Hysterectomy, Oophorectomy, Genital Reconstruction Health Maintenance: PAP, Mammogram, Breast Exam STD/HIV Screening CAD risk

Male to Female: Estrogen Therapy Breast Development Redistribution of Fat Softening of Skin Loss of Erections Testicular Atrophy Decreased Upper Body Strength Slowing or cessation of Scalp Hair Loss

MTF: Risk of Estrogen Therapy Venous Thrombosis/Thromboembolism Weight Gain Decreased Libido Drug to Drug Interactions Increased BP Decreased Glucose Tolerance Gallbladder Disease Benign Prolactinemia ? Breast Cancer Infertility

MTF: Spironolactone Therapy Anti-androgen Modest Breast Development Softening of Facial & Body Hair Maybe Able to Decrease Estrogen Dose Risk: Incr. K, Decr. BP, Drug to Drug Interactions

MTF: Continuing Care ASA Therapy Topical Treatment for Hyperpigmentation Hair Removal STD/HIV Screening DRE for Prostate Cancer, PSA Breast Augmentation, Thyroid Cartilage reduction, Castration, Sexual Reassignment Surgery

Special Considerations SFDPH Transgender Community Health Project Employment Discrimination Services not accessed due to fear of discrimination Unprotected Sex Provide Sexual Validation and Increased Self Esteem Incarceration Increased STD Suicide Attempts, Psychiatric Illnesses

Unanswered Questions Long Term Effects of Hormonal Therapy Benefits Outweigh the Risks When to Adjust Hormonal Therapy and to What Levels

Case Studies Case #1: DG, 56 y/o, MTF, Filipino, patient since 1983, estrogen therapy initially, none for many years, feminine appearing, employed full time as a chef, in long term relation with male, CAD on beta blocker, Lipitor

Case Studies Case #2: PC, 26 y/o, MTF, Chinese/Cauc., Patient since 10/03, referred by psychologist for hormonal therapy, disheveled in T-Shirt and shorts, not feminine appearing, unemployed, never cross dressed, sex partners women, identifies as lesbian.

Case Studies Case #3: EE, 30 y/o, FTM, Puerto Rican, Patient since 1999, works in hardware store, on Testosterone therapy with good masculinization with beard, mastectomy done, long term relationship with a woman.

Thank You Questions?