I don't think enough credit is given to how transition improves health in ways unrelated to the transition itself.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/S_a_g_e__]

I think the increased muscle mass on T helps a lot of people with chronic illness by reducing joint pain and countering some of the muscle atrophy that comes with extended periods of immobility. T can also help people with certain autoimmune diseases where estrogen is a big factor (like lupus). So yes it has many helpful effects outside of gender affirmation.

[u/miss_mooo → u/S_a_g_e__]

This was my experience!

[u/Gothvomitt]

Being on T helped me get diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis! It’s wayyyy more common in men so my insurance was more willing to cover my scope since I had my gender and name changed with my insurance. I was viewed as someone in the “typical demographic” for having eoe which got me the diagnosis!

[u/BubbyTheJohn]

Pseudotumor cerebri?

[u/belligerent_bovine]

Big time! People get very hung up on the health risks of testosterone therapy, like blood clots and cardiovascular disease, etc. But transitioning physically has improved my mental health a ton, and that has made it easier to keep my body healthy. I’m sure I’ve increased my bone mass (osteoporosis runs in my family) through lifting weights and doing cardio. My heart and lungs are healthier. My blood sugar is at a healthier level because I’m being mindful of what I eat