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.
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.