Lifestyle and Gender-Affirming Medication: Is It Safe to Start?

Lifestyle and Gender-Affirming Medication: Is It Safe to Start?

Lifestyle and gender-affirming medication works exactly how any other treatment or medication would.


Your doctor or physician may advise you to make some lifestyle changes for the treatment to work better.


Here we address some lifestyle choices you make and if they would adversely impact your gender-affirming treatment:

Smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. It is a well-established fact that it negatively impacts your health regardless of gender, age, race, or any other criteria.

So, our advice is always to stop smoking.


  • However, it does not prevent you, in any way, from receiving gender-affirming medication.

Alcohol Consumption

Consuming anything in excess can turn out bad for your health. Moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Such is the case with alcohol.


If you consume alcohol in excess, we would advise against it.


  • It does not act as a barrier in your gender-affirming treatment.

Drugs 

As doctors, we advise you against taking recreational drugs. However, doing so does not mean that you can't receive gender-affirming medication.


  • You’re still eligible for gender-affirming medication.

Weight


Your body weight plays a crucial role in maintaining your physical and mental well-being. It is something that many people struggle with all their lives.


If you’re overweight or have a high BMI, gender-affirming medical care might provide you the motivation to start working out and adopt a healthy lifestyle.


  • You’re eligible to receive gender-affirming medical care.


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