Understanding perimenopause and menopause
For trans, intersex, non-binary and gender diverse people who are born with ovaries, the timing and experience of menopause can vary depending on your individual biology and medical care you are receiving, including aspects of gender affirming care.
You might experience menopause-related symptoms:
- 'naturally', due to ageing
- earlier than ‘natural’ menopause, due to health conditions or medical treatment
- suddenly, if your ovaries are removed as part of gender affirming surgery
- temporarily or intermittently, if there are changes in your hormone therapy.
Find out more about menopause-related symptoms, managing your symptoms and treatments.
How gender affirming care can influence menopause
Surgery
If you have surgery to remove both of your ovaries (called an oophorectomy), you will experience surgical menopause. Unlike natural menopause, which is usually preceded by perimenopause, surgical menopause results in a sudden drop in hormone levels. This can mean symptoms appear quickly and feel more intense.
If you are already taking testosterone for gender transition, you might have fewer menopausal symptoms after surgery.
Hormone therapy
Taking gender affirming hormones might influence how and when you experience menopause.
If you are taking oestrogen, you might experience menopause-like symptoms and bone loss if your hormone levels decrease or if you stop gender affirming medical treatment.
There is limited data on menopause in people who have ovaries and are receiving testosterone-based hormone therapy as part of gender affirming health care. Testosterone therapy does not cause oestrogen levels to decrease significantly and does not in itself cause menopausal symptoms.
When to see a doctor
If you have menopause-related symptoms that are impacting your life or worrying you, it is important to talk to a doctor. There are treatment and support options that can help.
Not all health issues and concerns experienced in your midlife are due directly to the menopause transition. Some symptoms can also be due to other health conditions or issues.
It is important that you talk to a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Finding a doctor
Everyone deserves to feel respected and affirmed when they seek medical support. There are a range of professional resources and health services that can provide advice and treatment options.
You might want to find a doctor who specialises in trans, gender diverse or non-binary health.
TransHub has a directory of health professionals who provide gender affirming care.