Nonprescribed hormone use and self-performed surgeries: "do-it-yourself" transitions in transgender communities in Ontario, Canada

N.K. Rotondi, G.R. Bauer, K. Scanlon, M. Kaay, R. Travers and A. Travers

American Journal of Public Health, 2013, vol. 103, issue 10, 1830-1836

Abstract: Objectives. We examined the extent of nonprescribed hormone use and self-performed surgeries among transgender or transsexual (trans) people in Ontario, Canada. Methods. We present original survey research from the Trans PULSE Project. A total of 433 participants were recruited from 2009 to 2010 through respondentdriven sampling. We used a case series design to characterize those currently taking nonprescribed hormones and participants who had ever self-performed sex-reassignment surgeries. Results. An estimated 43.0% (95% confidence interval = 34.9, 51.5) of trans Ontarians were currently using hormones; of these, a quarter had ever obtained hormones from nonmedical sources (e.g., friend or relative, street or strangers, Internet pharmacy, herbals or supplements). Fourteen participants (6.4%; 95% confidence interval = 0.8, 9.0) reported currently taking nonprescribed hormones. Five indicated having performed or attempted surgical procedures on themselves (orchiectomy or mastectomy). Conclusions. Past negative experiences with providers, along with limited financial resources and a lack of access to transition-related services, may contribute to nonprescribed hormone use and self-performed surgeries. Promoting training initiatives for health care providers and jurisdictional support for more accessible services may help to address trans people's specific needs.

Keywords: antiandrogen; estradiol; sex hormone, adolescent; adult; aged; article; automutilation; Canada; confidence interval; drug misuse; female; human; male; mastectomy; middle aged; orchiectomy; psychological aspect; sex reassignment; social behavior; transsexuality, Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Androgen Antagonists; Confidence Intervals; Estradiol; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Male; Mastectomy; Middle Aged; Ontario; Orchiectomy; Prescription Drug Misuse; Self Mutilation; Sex Reassignment Surgery; Social Identification; Transgendered Persons; Young Adult (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301348_1

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301348

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