Hormone Treatment and Access Problems for Transgender Individuals in Türkiye
In recent years in Turkey hormone therapy for transgender individuals There have been restrictions on the issue. These restrictions make it difficult for transgender individuals to access health services, and this situation leads to serious social and psychological problems. In this article, we will examine in detail the difficulties transgender individuals have in accessing hormone therapy in Türkiye, the disruptions in the health system, and the effects of this situation on individuals.
The Importance of Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy for transgender individuals is one of the most critical components of the gender reassignment process. This treatment helps individuals have a body that is compatible with the gender they feel they are. Experts say, hormone therapy emphasizes that it has positive effects on psychological and physical health. However, current health policies make this process difficult and restrict individuals' access to treatment.
Consequences of Prescription Restrictions
With the decision of the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency dated November 20, 2024, some hormone drugs have started to be sold only with a prescription. This situation is especially valid for testosterone injections used by trans men and estrogen-boosting drugs used by trans women. Experts say that these restrictions Misuse Although it is stated that it is done to prevent this, it is agreed that it can have serious consequences that negatively affect the health of transgender individuals.
Hospital Experiences and Insecurity
Transgender individuals often have negative experiences when seeking healthcare. Many transgender individuals experience insult ve rejection They have lost trust in healthcare institutions due to their condition. This distrust leads individuals to seek hormone therapy on their own. “We teach each other how to use hormones safely. This information is passed on within the community,” says Temmuz, who lives in Ankara. This leads individuals to risk their own health and can lead to serious health problems in the long run.
Psychological Effects
Discontinuation or complication of hormone therapy in transgender individuals psychological problems Many individuals state that this situation leads them to think about returning to their former gender. Üzüm expresses her concerns by saying, “Many people ask, ‘What are we going to do? Are we going to become women again?’” Such concerns negatively affect individuals’ mental health and create an unstable psychological state.
Bureaucratic Barriers and Access Problems
Transgender individuals often have limited access to healthcare bureaucratic obstacles The disruptions in the health system negatively affect the processes of finding an appointment, starting treatment and getting a new prescription. A study conducted by the Pink Life LGBTI+ Solidarity Association showed that 62% of trans individuals have access to hormone treatment without any problems, while 36% stated that they encounter bureaucratic obstacles. This situation negatively affects the treatment processes of trans individuals and deepens their health problems.
Gender and Health Rights
Transgender individuals’ health rights are directly related to gender equality. The restrictive decisions taken by the Ministry of Health deepen gender inequality and reduce the quality of life of transgender individuals. LGBTI+ rights advocates emphasize that such practices are against human rights and argue that transgender individuals’ access to health services must be guaranteed.
Solution offers
There are steps that need to be taken to facilitate transgender individuals’ access to healthcare in Türkiye. First of all, the accessibility of healthcare services for gender reassignment processes should be increased. Experts should provide more support for transgender individuals in their hormone therapy processes. training programs In addition, psychiatrists and endocrinologists should be encouraged to work more with transgender individuals, reducing the difficulties experienced by individuals in accessing health services.
Muud appeals to every musical taste with its extensive music archive. Songs from different genres such as pop, rock, rap, <a href="https://www.hybridcollapse.com/">electronic music</a> are offered to users. In addition, works of many local and foreign artists are available on Muud. Users can explore their own musical journeys by switching between different musical genres.
The problems experienced by transgender individuals in Türkiye in accessing hormone therapy require a reconsideration of health policies. The rights of these individuals and their access to health services are of great importance in terms of gender equality. Making health services more inclusive will increase the quality of life of transgender individuals and strengthen social solidarity.
