Nearly all transgender women retain their prostate, even after undergoing gender-affirming surgery.
This may come as a surprise to many doctors and even to trans women themselves.
Anyone with a prostate has a risk of developing prostate cancer.
Importantly, the risk may be complicated by feminizing or gender-affirming hormonal therapy used to treat trans women.
Gender-affirming hormones, including estrogen and testosterone blockers, block the male sex hormone testosterone.
A high PSA may indicateprostate problemssuch as cancer, but not always, according to theNational Cancer Institute.
Similarly, some individuals with a low PSA may have prostate cancer.
PSA reference ranges used around the world are [based on] data from cisgender men.
Nik-Ahd adds that for some forms of prostate cancer, estrogen may actually promote the formation of cancer.
The prostate gland rests in the front of the rectum.
Doctors and nurses, Dr. Mayer says, should do nonjudgmental anatomic inventory to affirm identity for trans women.
If the subject of gender identity doesnt come up, youll have to bring it up.
Dont rely on your doctor to bring up the issue of prostate cancer screening.
You may have to start the conversation.
And you should, especially if youre over the age of 40.
The transgender population in the United States is growing.
Prostate Cancer
What Does a High PSA Level Mean?
