Make healthcare a priority

Don't avoid getting healthcare out of concern that you may have a negative interaction with a healthcare professional. Look for a professional who has expertise in transgender health, who understands your concerns and who puts you at ease.

For guidance finding a healthcare professional with transgender expertise, check the websites for WPATH: World Professional Association for Transgender Health and GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality.

Once you find a healthcare professional with whom you feel comfortable and safe, be open about your health history. Topics you might want to discuss with your healthcare team include:

• Health concerns you may have.
• Medicines or supplements you take or have taken.
• Surgeries or procedures you've had.
• Any family history of medical conditions you may have.
• Your sexual health history.
• Stress or discrimination you may have experienced and how you cope.
• Mental health concerns you may have, including anxiety, depression, or any past suicidal thoughts or attempts.

The more your healthcare team knows about you, the better equipped they will be to help guide your healthcare.