Easy-to-read medicine information about menopause hormonal therapy what it is, how to take it safely and possible side effects.

During menopause, the amount of oestrogen produced by a woman's body drops and this can cause symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, muscle and joint pains, mood changes, vaginal dryness and discomfort with sex. Read more aboutmenopause.

Menopause hormonal therapy (MHT) is the use of hormone therapy (tablets, patches or cream) to replace the oestrogen that your ovaries no longer make during and after menopause. It can help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause.

The main factor in deciding which MHT to use will depend of whether you still have a uterus or whetherit has been removed surgically (an operation called hysterectomy).

In addition, the choice of MHT will depend on your individual overall balance of benefit, risk, symptoms and convenience.

Image credit: MHT Australasian Menopause Society

Menopause hormonal therapy is not recommended in certain situations, such as for women who have a history of breast cancer, are at risk of heart disease, or have had a blood clot or are high risk of having a blood clot. Ask your doctor whether menopause hormonal therapy is right for you there are also other non-hormone options that can help with menopausal symptoms.

Menopause hormonal therapy is available as oestrogen alone or as oestrogen with progestogen. It is also available in different formulations such as creams, pessaries, tablets and skin patches. Some of these are used every day, while others may be used only for a few days or once or twice a week.

The following are examples ofmenopause hormonal therapy products available in New Zealand. The choice of product depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. When using MHT, use the lowest dose that eases your symptoms for the shortest time and get your treatment reviewed at least once every year to assess whether to continue it or not.

Read more about Ovestin cream and pessaries.

These patches are applied to your skin 1 or 2 times a week:

Without treatment, menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems and headaches may last fora few years.Most women manage their menopause symptoms themselves, but some may need help from their doctor. MHT has been found to:

When assessing the risks associated with MHT, remember that not all women have the same risk of these effects.

For most women with moderate to severe symptoms, the benefits appear to outweigh the risks for those who are less than 10 years out from menopause or aged less than 60.

MHT can cause side effects such as breast tenderness, fluid retention, mood changes, menstrual spotting and bleeding. If you get any of these side effects, talk to your doctor as you may need a change of dose. MHT does not cause weight gain.

Contact your doctor immediately if you get any of the following symptoms while taking MHT:

If you are taking MHT and have recently had surgery or a leg injury and you are unable to walk around, contact your doctor for advice.

If you are taking MHT and decide to stop, ask your doctor how to stop safely. You may need to stop slowly over several weeks.

Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)?Report a side effect to a product

Many women consider using complementary therapies such as phytoestrogens. These oestrogen-like compounds are found in all plants but are in highest quantities in legumes, including beans and soy products. Some women find these compounds helpful, although scientific studies have found them no better than a placebo. A lack of response after 6 weeks should be seen as a reason to stop.

Similarly,scientific studies have also found the following to be no better than a placebo:black cohosh, dong quai, evening primrose oil, red clover and ginseng. Due to possible adverse effects on your liver, it is recommended that black cohosh treatment be ceased after 6 months.

All complementary therapies may have side effects and may interact with prescription medicines, so tell your doctor if you are using or planning to use these.

The following linkshave more information on MHT. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from New Zealand recommendations.Menopause Family Planning, New ZealandMenopause health information Australasian Menopause SocietyMenopause and HRT Patient Info, UKFacts about menopausal hormone therapyNational Institutes of Health, US

Medsafe Consumer Information Sheets:TrisequensKliogestKliovanceProgynovaEstradotClimaraPremarin

Hormone replacement therapyNZ FormularyMenopausal hormone therapy where are we now?BPAC, NZ, 2019Long term hormone therapy for perimenopausal and postmenopausal womenCochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Jul 11;7,Marjoribanks J, Farquhar C, Roberts H, et al.British menopause society & womens heath concern recommendations on hormone replacement therapyPanay N et al,May 2013

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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) | Health Navigator NZ

For several decades, the role of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) has been debated. Early observational data on HRT showed many benefits, including a reduction in coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality. More recently, randomized trials, including the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), studying mostly women many years after the the onset of menopause, showed no such benefit and, indeed, an increased risk of CHD and breast cancer, which led to an abrupt decrease in the use of HRT. Subsequent reanalyzes of data from the WHI with age stratification, newer randomized and observational data and several meta-analyses now consistently show reductions in CHD and mortality when HRT is initiated soon after menopause. HRT also significantly decreases the incidence of various symptoms of menopause and the risk of osteoporotic fractures, and improves quality of life. In younger healthy women (aged 50-60 years), the risk-benefit balance is positive for using HRT, with risks considered rare. As no validated primary prevention strategies are available for younger women (<60 years of age), other than lifestyle management, some consideration might be given to HRT as a prevention strategy as treatment can reduce CHD and all-cause mortality. Although HRT should be primarily oestrogen-based, no particular HRT regimen can be advocated.

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Hormone-replacement therapy: current thinking - PubMed

Pune, India, June 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global hormone replacement therapy market size was USD 13.40 billion in 2020. The market is projected to grow from USD 14.17 billion in 2021 to USD 21.49 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 6.1% in the 2021-2028 period. This information is provided by Fortune Business Insights, in its report titled, Hormone Replacement Therapy Market, 2021-2028."According to our expert analysts, the market is witnessing growth, owing to its development in several other hormone-associated illnesses concerned with diverse age groups that are impacting both, women as well as men.

Industry Developments:May 2021: Myovant Sciences GmbH declared that it gained sanction from the U.S. FDA for hormone therapy Myfembree as a treatment for uterine fibroid bleeding. The drug unveiled by Myovant is set to give uninterrupted competition to Abbvie with an extra dosing benefit.

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Hormone replacement therapy is vital for patients with growth hormone scarcities, women experiencing menopausal conditions, elderly population having hypogonadism, and other patients. The treatment is obtainable in several forms, which involve skin and buccal patches, injectable, and tablets, and others. Attributed to the increase in implementation of these products across the world, numerous manufacturers are emphasizing on the development of the progressive drug delivery systems such as vaginal estrogen drugs as well as transdermal estrogen patches. This is expected to bolster the hormone replacement therapy market growth.

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A hormone replacement therapy is a treatment to replace the natural hormone when the body does not produce enough hormone. The hormonal replacement therapy is generally used to treat the menopause symptoms and to protect long term health. During the menopause, the female hormone level goes up and down. This can cause various symptoms, such as night sweat and vaginal dryness.

Thus, hormone replacement therapy helps to balance the level hormone among the females. In addition to this, hormone replacement therapy also helps in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis after menopause in females. In addition to this, the hormone replacement therapy also reduces the chance of various diseases, including diabetes and bowel cancer. In male hormone replacement therapy, testosterone hormone is given to the man. Testosterone hormone is responsible for the development of male sex organs and producing male characteristics such as muscularity and facial hairs.

Hormone replacement therapy is generally used to balance the level of progesterone and estrogen hormone in females. Currently, the combination of drugs is used for hormone replacement therapy. The hormone replacement therapy can be given to various forms, including oral, parenteral, and transdermal. Oral intake of hormone drug is one of the most common routes of administration in the hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone therapy, including estrogen therapy and combined estrogen/progesterone therapy, has been currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of osteoporosis among the females. There are many companies present in the market who are offering a variety of medicines for the hormone replacement therapy for both male and females.

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The report offers a holistic evaluation of the hormone replacement therapy market along with present trends and forthcoming expectations to launch approximate investment profits. Moreover, a detailed examination of any forthcoming opportunities, threats, competitions or driving aspects is also conversed in the report. Step by step, methodical regional review is offered in the report.COVID-19 influences have been added to the report to aid investors and business owners to perceive an amplified knowledge of the existing threats. The key players in the market are distinguished, and their tactics to bolster the market growth are mentioned in the report.

Regional Insights:The market in North America was worth USD 7.07 billion in 2020 and held the maximum hormone replacement therapy market share. Moreover, the market is anticipated to lead the global market, owing to an increase in the occurrence of menopause and growth hormone scarcity illnesses.Europe is the second dominant region, owing to an escalation in the hormonal conditions in women experiencing menopausal symptoms, older people undergoing hypothyroidism, and increase in growth hormone ailments.Asia Pacific is projected to appear as one of the biggest suppliers of the product coupled with the highest CAGR in future.

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With 6.1 % CAGR, Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Size worth USD 21.49 billion by 2028 Industry Trends - Benzinga

Women with lower levels of two sex hormones may be at increased risk of experiencing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in middle age, according to a new study.

The findings, published June 22 in PLOS ONE, showed that postmenopausal women with double the average estrogen concentration had as much as a 23% decrease in the odds of snoring. Women with double the average progesterone concentration had a 9% decrease in the odds of snoring.

"Our study is important, as it is another building block on the way to individualized hormone substitution for postmenopausal women," said Kai Triebner, PhD, postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bergen, Norway, and senior author of the article. "The observed associations had already been suspected by smaller studies, and now we finally were able to prove them in a large population-based cohort with very precise measurements of their hormone status."

OSA is marked by snoring, irregular breathing, and/or gasping. The condition can lead to poor sleep quality and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions, including ischemic heart disease and stroke.

Previous studies have shown that estrogen and progesterone mitigate the symptoms of OSA. Triebner and his colleagues sought to evaluate the protective association between hormones and sleep on a population level.

The new study included 774 women (age, 4067 years) from the 20102012 European Community Respiratory Health Survey. The women responded to two questionnaires about respiratory health and sleep and gave blood for hormone analysis of progesterone and three types of estrogen: 17-estradiol, estrone, and estrone 3-sulfate.

Women with hormonal irregularities, such as endometriosis, and those taking exogenous sex hormones through replacement therapy or contraception were excluded from the study.

Among the total group, 551 reported snoring. Of those, 411 had additional symptoms of OSA, such as irregular breathing, gasping, or a disturbing snore. Triebner and his colleagues determined the average estrogen and progesterone concentrations of all women in the study. Women with double the average estrogen concentration had a 19% decrease in odds of snoring.

With regard to individual forms of estrogen, women with double the average serum concentration of 17-estradiol, estrone, and estrone 3-sulfate had a 17% to 23% decrease in odds of breathing irregularity. Women with double the average serum concentration of progesterone had a 9% decrease in the odds of snoring and a 12% decrease in the odds of waking up with a choking or gasping sensation.

"By adjusting our model for BMI [body mass index] and alcohol consumption, we found that the results of the study [the effect of hormones on the risk of OSA] were not influenced," Triebner told Medscape Medical News.

Triebner's team did not give women exogenous estrogen or progesterone to observe individual changes in sleep behavior.

"The path to a good hormone replacement therapy is not yet paved," Triebner said. "What may be beneficial for one woman might be actually harmful to the other. The next steps are considerably more research on how to properly administer an individualized hormone therapy to women."

Vincent Joseph, PhD, a sleep researcher at Laval University, Quebec, Canada, said the findings were unsurprising.

"The mechanisms have been addressed, at least partially, in animal studies, showing effects on key structures in the brain and elements of the peripheral nervous system that are involved in the control of respiration," Joseph, who was not involved in the study, told Medscape.

However, the results provide a much stronger case to support the link between the variation of hormone levels and sleep apnea in women, Joseph added.

Triebner and Joseph reported no relevant financial relationships.

PLoS One. Published online June 22, 2022. Full text

Arianna Sarjoo is an intern at Medscape and a biology major at Boston University.

For more news, follow Medscape on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Lower Hormone Levels Linked to Risk of Sleep Apnea - Medscape

Hot flashes, sleep difficulties, and mood changes are just a few of the common symptoms associated with menopause. But fluctuating hormone levels can also impact some unexpected parts of your body, like your mouth. As your estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause and menopause, you may notice sensitive teeth, painful gums, and other issues.

Some people notice that things taste different during the menopausal transition. You may even develop something called burning mouth syndrome, which is just as unpleasant as it sounds.

Keep reading to learn about the ways menopause may be affecting your mouth and what you can do to find relief.

Regular brushing and flossing, avoiding excess sugar, and getting regular dental cleanings are all ways you can actively protect your oral health. But some things, like hormonal fluctuations, are outside of your control.

In fact, hormonal changes can affect your teeth during several stages of your life. This may happen in the following ways:

A decrease in hormones during perimenopause and menopause can cause a variety of mouth-related changes. This may result in the following symptoms:

If you regularly experience pain after drinking or eating hot or cold items, you could have tooth sensitivity.

Sensitive teeth develop when the dentin, or inner part of the teeth, lose both their protective enamel and cementum coatings. This leaves the nerves within your teeth vulnerable, which can lead to pain and discomfort when you consume cold, hot, or acidic foods.

Menopausal gingivostomatitis is a menopause-related oral health condition that causes gum inflammation. In addition to gum swelling, you may have noticeably pale, shiny, or deep-red gums. Your gums may also bleed easily, especially when you brush or floss.

Hormonal changes during the menopausal transition can also change the way foods taste to you. For example, you may find yourself bothered by salty, sour, or peppery foods. Its also possible for food to taste unusually bitter or metallic.

In some cases, menopause-induced taste changes accompany a condition known as burning mouth syndrome (BMS). As the name suggests, BMS causes burning, pain, and tenderness around your mouth area, including the lips, tongue, and cheeks.

Tooth pain during menopause is related to both hormonal and age-related causes, such as thinning mouth tissues, dry mouth, and osteoporosis.

As estrogen levels decrease, the oral mucosal epithelium may also decrease in thickness. This can make you more sensitive to pain, as well as more vulnerable to infections in your mouth.

Salivary glands are partially dependent on hormones to continue supporting saliva production and maintain consistency.

Lower levels of estrogen can also decrease saliva production in your mouth, causing a condition known as dry mouth. Not only can dry mouth make it uncomfortable to swallow foods and liquids, but it may also contribute to tooth decay when left untreated.

Other problems associated with dry mouth include:

Postmenopausal people are at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to declining estrogen levels. This condition weakens bones, which can cause them to break easily.

While you might associate this age-related condition with thinning bones throughout your body, its important not to forget about the bones inside the mouth. In particular, osteoporosis may cause jaw recession, which can decrease the size of your gums and lead to tooth loss.

If youre experiencing menopause-related tooth changes that are significant and interfering with your overall quality of life, its important to reach out to a dentist or doctor to see if treatment can help.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one possible option that may help alleviate multiple menopausal symptoms. However, not everyone is a good candidate for HRT due to the possibility of serious side effects, such as blood clots.

Still, some research does demonstrate the benefits of HRT for postmenopausal oral health issues. One study of 492 postmenopausal people, compared those who received osteoporosis treatments, such as HRT or supplements, to those who received no treatment.

Researchers found that those who received estrogen treatments for osteoporosis prevention also had a significantly lower risk of developing periodontitis, a severe infection of the gums that may also damage your teeth and jawbone.

However, as previous research points out, theres not enough clinical evidence to establish whether HRT is an effective preventive measure for oral health problems following menopause.

If youre interested in HRT, its important to carefully discuss the risks versus benefits with a doctor.

While hormonal changes can lead to changes in your mouth, problems with your teeth and gums arent inevitable.

Its important to see a dentist if youre experiencing any unusual changes in your oral health, such as dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, or pain. They may recommend corrective procedures or medications that can help address these issues.

Additionally, your dentist might recommend the following:

Also, certain lifestyle modifications may help you maintain healthy teeth and gums, such as quitting smoking and cutting back on sugary foods and beverages. If you have dry mouth, reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption may also help.

Hormone fluctuations especially a drop in estrogen can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. While these can impact your mood, sleep quality, and body temperature, menopause may also lead to changes in your mouth.

While some menopause-related oral health changes may cause slight discomfort, others, such as dry mouth, can lead to bigger issues with your teeth and gums.

Protecting your oral health during menopause can lead to better outcomes for gums and teeth as you age, as well as better overall quality of life. If lifestyle modifications and regular oral care dont help alleviate your symptoms, see a dentist or doctor for possible prescription treatments.

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Menopause and Sensitive Teeth: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments - Healthline

Breast cancer affects millions of women around the world. In the United States alone, it is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. While there are many factors that can contribute to the development of this disease, some lifestyle choices and habits can play a significant role. Read on to find out moreand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

One of the best ways to catch breast cancer early is to perform regular self-examinations. This allows you to become familiar with how your breasts look and feel so that you can more easily spot any changes.

Screening mammograms are an important tool in the early detection of breast cancer. These tests can often find tumors that are too small to be felt by hand.

Women who don't get regular mammograms are at a higher risk of developing this disease. If you're over the age of 50, it's important to get a mammogram every two years. You may need to get them more frequently if you have a family history of breast cancer.

One of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer is to avoid smoking. Tobacco use is linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer. Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products increases your risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, studies have shown that women who smoke have a 20 to 30 percent higher risk of developing this disease.

If you currently smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Another bad habit that can lead to breast cancer is excessive drinking. Alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing this disease. If you drink alcohol, it's important to do so in moderation. Women who drink more than three alcoholic beverages per week have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who don't drink.

A poor diet can also contribute to the development of breast cancer. Eating a diet high in processed and red meats has been linked to an increased risk of this disease. Conversely, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk. It's also important to maintain a healthy weight and avoid excessive weight gain. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for breast cancer since excess fat tissue can produce hormones that can promote the growth of cancer cells.

Getting regular exercise is another important way to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown that women who are physically active have a lower risk of developing this disease. Women who exercise for at least 30 minutes per day have a significantly lower risk than those who don't get any exercise.

Certain birth control methods have also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and progestin can slightly increase your risk. This is especially true if you use them for 10 or more years. If you're concerned about the risks associated with birth control, talk to your doctor about other options.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is another factor that can contribute to the development of breast cancer. HRT is often used to relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. This treatment can also help prevent osteoporosis. However, HRT has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. If you're considering HRT, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

While there are many factors that can contribute to the development of breast cancer, some lifestyle choices and habits can play a significant role. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating a poor diet are all bad habits that can increase your risk. Getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are good ways to reduce your risk. Certain birth control methods and hormone replacement therapies can also contribute to the development of this disease. If you have any of these risk factors, it's important to talk to your doctor about them. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

Gethin Williams MD Ph.D. is the Medical Director of Imaging & Interventional Specialists.

Gethin Williams, MD, Ph.D

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8 Bad Habits Leading to Breast Cancer Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

LGBTQ patients are at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections, HIV and certain cancers. Community Health Network primary care physician Dr. Mike Giffen said LGBTQ friendly health providers are crucial in reducing these health disparities.

LGBTQ patients are at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections, HIV and certain cancers. Community Health Network primary care physician Dr. Mike Giffen said LGBTQ-friendly health providers are crucial in reducing these health disparities.

If the provider is not open, if the patient's not comfortable and not open, we kind of gloss over a lot of stuff, Giffen said. And that's where a lot of this stuff is missed.

Giffen said trust is key in developing patient-provider relationships that are open and honest, especially if the patient is a member of the LGBTQ community. He said if trust is not built, health disparities in the community will continue.

So that's why this is super important, is to try to kind of break down those disparities and kind of actually level the playing field and get patients the care they deserve, he said.

Giffen said the LGBTQ community also faces higher rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health disparities. As a primary care physician, he helps those in need of hormone replacement therapy, surgery or other gender-affirming medical care. He said he has created a tight-knit community with other LGBTQ-friendly providers across the state.

I've built a nice network of connections of different surgeons and differenttherapists and counselors kind of across the board, Giffen said. Anything of a person who really needs their care.

Giffen said he understands many people are hesitant to get medical care. He said he wants to make sure patients feel comfortable.

People always think they come to a doctor and they need to have a lot of issues and a lot of stuff has to be up front, he said. Meeting with a patient can be literally just a conversation. Hey, it's good to meet you. Let's make sure this is a good, you know, interaction. And if you feel comfortable, we can move forward.

Contact reporter Darian Benson at dbenson@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @helloimdarian.

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Open, honest conversations key in reducing LGBTQ health disparities - WFYI

If you were on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and had to stop when you were diagnosed with breast cancer, you may experience a combination of natural and medical menopause. This so-called cold turkey menopause is the result of the dramatic drop in estrogen that occurs when you suddenly stop HRT.

Although HRT can treat severe menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and fatigue, current or recent past users of HRT have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Thats why its recommended that you stop HRT if you are found to have breast cancer, whether the cancer is hormone-receptor-positive or negative.

Before the link between HRT use and breast cancer risk was found, many postmenopausal women took HRT for many years to ease menopausal symptoms and to reduce bone loss. Since 2002, when research linked HRT and risk, the number of women taking HRT has dropped dramatically. Still, many women continue to use HRT to treat bothersome menopausal symptoms, and our understanding of the impact of HRT on breast cancer risk is still developing. According to the 2013 Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy, the increased risk of breast cancer from HRT is small, and primarily due to (1) how long it is used and (2) taking HRT that includes a progestogen in addition to estrogen (progestogens are a class of hormones that includes progesterone). However, major medical organizations agree that women with a history of breast cancer, as well as those at high risk for the disease, should not take HRT. For more information, visit the Breastcancer.org page onHormone Replacement Therapy.

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Stopping Hormone Replacement Therapy: Cold Turkey Menopause - Breastcancer.org

The U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decimated federally protected abortion rights. Writing for the majority in Dobbs, Justice Clarence Thomas also called on SCOTUS to reconsider constitutional protections for contraceptive access, same-sex marriage, and same-sex intimacy.

Like abortion, gender nonconformity subverts patriarchal control over bodies.

His opinion has prompted many to ask whether queer rights are next. Such inquiries omit the fact that trans rights already face an historic moment of backlash. During the 2022 legislative session, more than forty bills were introduced across a dozen states to restrict, prohibit, and criminalize gender-affirming care (GAC). Alabama attempted to ban hormone replacement therapy (HRT) outright. Texas ruled that child welfare agencies could investigate parents and doctors providing trans youth GAC for child abuse. The passage of transphobic laws governing bathrooms and participation in sports have ostracized trans youth from full participation in society. These and other extreme policies are compounding the disproportionately high levels of suicide and mental health crises among trans youth.

The state of reproductive freedom and trans rights demands upheaval. A core tenet of reproductive justice is the right to raise children in a safe and healthy environment. Bringing children into a world where their gender is both violently policed and potentially criminalized is, simply put, not safe.

Though both types of care involve separate restrictions and stigma, there is far more overlap than meets the eye. Black feminist author Audre Lorde told students in 1982 that there is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives. These words should guide advocates action in fighting for reproductive justice and trans liberation. By realizing the similarities between reproductive and gender-affirming health care, advocates can more effectively address the underlying issues that threaten to destabilize both.

Abortion and trans health care challenge deeply held, hegemonic beliefs about what constitutes supposedly innate gender identities and gender roles. Though many religions hold varying views on abortion and gender mutability, lawmakers have weaponized Christian rhetoric and texts to undermine both.

Despite the fact that abortion is not mentioned in the Bible (and that many Christians receive abortions and support abortion access), Christian beliefs have become synonymous with fetal personhood and the inaccurate framing of abortion as murder. Religious justifications of harsh anti-abortion laws are the product of a decades-long and concerted legislative push to demonize and outlaw abortion. This movement posits abortion as an imminent threat to the structure of the nuclear family, to the nation, and to gender conformity. Children, specifically, are invoked to enact state violence on pregnant people.

Without federal protections, access to abortion care heightens racial and income inequity.

Transgender folks, too, have long been subject to conservative Christian ire. Like abortion, gender nonconformity subverts patriarchal control over bodies. The notion that someone can determine their own gender, rather than abiding by a state and/or religious mandate, is so destabilizing that trans peoples very existence becomes interpreted as deviant. Similar to the sexual aberrance ascribed to queer people through the 1970s, gender deviancy is pathologized to foment moral panic.

Two central fears underlie this moral panic. First, there is a fear that trans people are inherently violent and will attack and/or corrupt children. This assumption rears its ugly head in many arguments against gender-neutral bathrooms and trans visibility, labeling trans adults as pedophiles and groomers.

The second iteration of transphobic panic is the belief that the very existence of trans people is violent. Children are thus understood to be corruptible to gender ideology, whether it be at a drag queen story hour or by encountering books written by queer authors.

The profit-driven U.S. health care system is ill-equipped to provide abortion and gender-affirming care (GAC). As long as the United States maintains employer-based health insurance, necessary but politicized health care is at risk. As a result, abortion and GAC face considerable access issues.

An abundance of research has shown that prior to Dobbs, Roe had symbolicallyor at least functionallyfallen. Increasingly, restrictive abortions laws have forced people seeking abortions to travel long distances to access care, rendering abortion inaccessible for those who cannot take time off of work or pay for transportation and lodging.

Without federal protections, access to abortion care heightens racial and income inequity.

Corporate attempts to rectify these health care disparities fall cravenly short. Amazon is one of many companies that recently pledged up to $4,000 in travel expenses to allow employees to access abortion care. The catch? The policy only applies to employees enrolled in the company-sponsored health plan. Notably lacking from this policy are the scores of contractors, gig workers, and part-time workers who keep Amazon running. Medicaid recipients, too, are ineligible. Questions about how these benefits can be accessed remain: Could individuals face liability for disclosing their intent to terminate a pregnancy?

Amazons announcement does nothing to change the material conditions that restrict abortion access and perpetuate inequity. In fact, the policy escalates inequality by denying care to those who might benefit from financial support the most. Of course, Amazon and its affiliates contribute generously to anti-abortion politicians. Other companies, such as Walmartthe countrys largest private employerfail to extend any coverage for abortion-related costs.

Employee-sponsored health care is similarly ill-equipped to deliver care to trans people seeking GAC. For example, Starbuckss extended coverage for gender-reassignment surgery in 2012. But, corporations can easily exploit trans employees unique vulnerability.

A recent filing with the National Labor Relations Board reveals that Starbucks weaponized health care coverage for trans employees as a part of its anti-union crusade. The complaint alleges that Starbucks threaten[ed] employees with loss of benefits, including access to gender-affirming healthcare. Access to lifesaving care should not be hampered by employers, and employers should not be able to brandish health care as a labor disciplining tool.

There are multiple deliberate and well-financed campaigns to spread misinformation about abortion and gender-affirming health care, which are amplified by a digital ecosystem that is ill-equipped to counter disinformation. Consequently, both types of care are deeply misunderstood.

Rightwing Christian activists have long framed abortion as a gory, dangerous procedure. Images of bloody fetuses abound at the March for Life and on billboards across the country. Former President Donald Trump threw gas on this fire by describing abortion as a plot between the doctor and the mother [to] determine whether or not they will execute the baby.

Bolstering these false and misleading claims about abortion is a well-financed, nationwide, and taxpayer-supported campaign to deceive pregnant people. In 2020, anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centersdesigned to mimic abortion clinicsreceived $4.6 million from the federal government.

GAC, too, has been unfairly maligned and deeply misunderstood, further stigmatizing care for trans youth. Media attempts to frame trans health care as a culture war produce the same effect. Despite being associated with widely positive outcomes, conservative lawmakers baselessly portray HRT as an entirely irreversible treatment which youth are unqualified to pursue. Particularly concerning are the misconceptions surrounding reproductive capability, which again prioritize potential life over the quality of a current one.

The overlap between abortion and trans health care is clear, and restrictions against both disproportionately impact people of color. Trans people, of course, get abortions. Wealth, ability, and citizenship mediate access to both types of care.

A world in which the state mandates strict gender conformity and controls reproductive capacity is not sustainable. Adopting a reproductive justice lens can enable advocates to build better systems of care outside of current oppressive structures.

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What the Reversal of Roe Means for the LGBTQ+ Community - Progressive.org