Gillian and Jenny are Transgender friends talking about the process of transition and living their best lives. Gillian is new into the transition process and Jenny has been transitioned for many years and acts as a type of mentor, sharing experiences and thoughts about the trans community and useful specific subjects.

Their conversations are wide ranging and they hope to help others on the same path.

This week:

Gillian praises the cancer wards and nurses but criticises the cancer specialists for misgendering. Jenny discusses the lack of education in trans healthcare among clinicians and her efforts to provide training. The conversation moves on to sexual health services, including free testing available at Superdrug and Boots. They discuss the importance of taking care of oneself and getting tested if necessary. They then delve into hormone therapy, with Jenny sharing her positive experience with a high doses of Estrogen while acknowledging that it does not solve everything.

They also discusses the importance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in transition and how it can be a barrier if not accessible through proper medical channels. Gillian explains how testosterone is a powerful hormone that affects physical changes differently to Estrogen, but both have significant effects on muscle tone and fat distribution. They caution against self-medicating with hormones due to potential health risks and encourage seeking medical oversight. The conversation also touches on the emotional effects of HRT for trans individuals and the challenges faced when accessing affordable healthcare services.

They stress the importance of seeking medical oversight and doing research, and mention a blood monitoring service for trans people.

You can submit questions or support their work at patreon/transvox