> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Study finds trans Americans often denied gender-affirming hormones
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/study-finds-trans-americans-often-denied-gender-affirming-hormones/
- Published: 2020-11-18T14:14:41.000Z
- Updated: 2020-11-18T10:45:09.000Z
- Description: A new study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, found many transgender Americans are turning to non-prescription hormone medication after being denied gender-affirming treatment, or not being able to afford healthcare.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, LGBTQ, Trans Rights, Transgender, US

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hormone-meds-1.jpg)

A new study, published in the [**Annals of Family Medicine**](https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2586?ref=scenemag.co.uk), found many transgender Americans are turning to non-prescription hormone medication after being denied gender-affirming treatment, or not being able to afford healthcare. While the Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare) aimed to extend healthcare access, the study found 10% of trans citizens are using non-prescription hormones. These hormones come with health risks as they are likely not checked for content, quality, formulation or dosing. Moreover, the treatment isn’t likely to be monitored by a professional.

Out of 27,715 respondents who said they wished to have access to gender-affirming hormones, 992 took non-prescription treatment, and a further 15% did not have health insurance. 21% with insurance also said their claims were denied. 24 US states explicitly require private insurance companies to cover gender-affirming treatment, and 9 states have complete exclusions for trans-related coverage [under Medicaid.](https://transhealthproject.org/resources/medicaid-regulations-and-guidance/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/health-insurance-1.jpg)

**Dr. Daphna Stroumsa**, the lead author of the study, told [**NBC News**](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/nearly-1-in-10-trans-americans-use-nonprescription-hormones-study-says/ar-BB1b49db?pfr=1&ref=scenemag.co.uk): *“The lack of coverage is a combination of insurance companies being discriminatory in rejecting claims, and in creating excessive layers of red tape for something that is very straightforward and actually cost-effective…We know gender-affirming hormones immensely improve mental health and lower the risk of depression.”*

**Cecilia Gentili**, principal at Transgender Equity Consulting and trans activist, added that many are mistreated or misgendered by healthcare professionals, discouraging them from seeking prescription medication. She said: *“Every time I go to someone who’s not my* \[regular\] *doctor, I get misgendered, I get uncomfortable questions…So if I’m not dying, I’m not going to the doctor.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/trans-healthcare.jpg)