"We are One"

Lupus and transitioning? It this the end of my journey to become a woman????!!!

Hi,

My dermatologist told me today that I have Lupus. They have re-tested my samples, and the test results undisputable.

I'm aware of that Lupus can be estrogen induced, giving facial flares.

I'm not bothered by flares, "only" an unbelievable scalp scratch.

But Lupus can also become more aggressive over time, and that might put a "stop" to my plans of transitioning.

What shall I do? Maybe I might ask myself, if I can live without hormone replacement? Can I? Will I?

I've got a recommendation letter to the hospital, there they will investigate even more. I will ask them, if my Lupus will put an end to all my plans.....Some people gets more frequent flares when they take estrogens, and other don't have any problems.

Any thoughts?

Hugs,

Ann

Tags: Lupus, Transitioning, autoimmune, disease, estrogen, hormone, replacement

0 members like this

Comment by Lauren Elisabeth Tancyus on September 27, 2011 at 7:43pm: Hi Anne, I'm so sorry to learn that you have been diagnosed with lupus. I know that lupus is much more common in women for reasons unexplained. I'm not aware that lupus is an absolute contraindication for estrogen therapy. I am a member of WPATH and will try to find some information for you.

Comment by Nicole Aime on September 27, 2011 at 8:55pm: Ann, I don't know much about Lupus, but I do know it is a serious condition that can effect more than just your skin. Please do what is necessary for your own health.

As for this being the end of your transition - will it be? Transition is more than just changing our bodies and how we dress. It is changing how we live. I know several beautiful ladies who continue to live their lives in a male role. Their reasons are different - Can't do HRT because of health; Various responsibilities that must be met . . . The key is to learn to accept who you are, and be willing to live true to yourself no matter how you must present. I truly believe that, as women, we are uniquely equipped to do the hard things. And you have friends to help you through.

- Hugs

Comment by stephanie dixon on September 28, 2011 at 4:30am: hi anne i agree with sherri here and the word contraindication their are ways around it but you must follow profesional advice.

you have many friends herre sister

Comment by Caroline Grace on September 28, 2011 at 6:14am: Let's see:

1) You have been diagnosed with lupus. You should learn more about the disease. Here's one site I would suggest:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001471/

2) You believe that it maybe drug induced from estrogen. You might want to challenge that thinking or explore it some more with your doctors. Your medications might not be the cause.

3) Lupus can have all kinds of bad effects on the body that can't be seen in a mirror. Consider all the problems this disease can cause and save your health, and possibly your life, by going to a doctor who specializes in treating this disease.

4)There are quite a few women I know who have transitioned successfully without either hormones or bottom surgery. Some simply had orchies to stop the majority of testosterone production. In fact, there are at least 3 court cases being pursued in NYC to change the law that says bottom surgery or HRT is required before changing birth certificates. Part of the plaintiff's arguments is that their gender has remained different from that assigned at birth and that they either don't want or can not have these medical treatments. Yet they still need everyone to know who they are. Closer to home, there are those with underlying medical situations that have prevented them from using the common treatments. So be it, they say.

5) Breast implants can cover your top half, orchies almost halt T-hormone troubles, and bottom surgery is still an option. With all of these you'll come across to others a woman to others. HRT has tremendous benefits, I know,so you'll lose them. But I'd say the first things I covered would do just nicely for me if I was in your situation. I fully realize that they may not work as well for you.

Don't forget that you need to deal with the lupus. The doctor or you may have guessed wrong that the lupus was drugged induced. Autoimmune diseases can have many causes. Take care of yourself.

Comment by Lauren Elisabeth Tancyus on October 3, 2011 at 10:27pm: I have heard back from one doctor on WPATH, Anne, and he says the only problem is to keep a close eye on clotting. I'll let you know when I hear more

Comment by Lauren Elisabeth Tancyus on October 4, 2011 at 9:19pm: Heard back from two more members of WPATH. One said she has two patients m2f on HRT with Lupus. Another doctor said that his opinion was that HRT could be beneficial for people with HRT.

Comment by Ann Beate Damhaug on October 6, 2011 at 4:41pm: Thank you, Sherri.

Why was HRT beneficial on patients with Lupus? Please give a good medical reason, which I can give back to my dermatologists ;-)

Hugs,

Ann