How to Deal with Your Period As a Transgender or Nonbinary Person

Co-authored by Inge Hansen, PsyD

Last Updated: June 6, 2023 References

Periods are a fact of life for many people, and not all of them are women. For some trans people, menstruating is a normal and acceptable part of being in their body, while for others it is an uncomfortable and even actively distressing experience. It may not be a big deal for some, but for others, getting and managing a period can be particularly stressful. Here’s how to manage your period if you're transgender.^{[1]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Changing Your Mindset

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Eliminate the idea that periods are feminine. When shops frequently label menstrual products as “feminine hygiene” or “women’s health care,” it's common to feel dysphoric about your period. But not everyone who menstruates is a woman, and not every woman menstruates. Some cisgender women may not have periods due to birth control, low body weight, or other reasons. Additionally, intersex people may or may not menstruate. Periods are not inherently gendered, and you're not alone. ^{[3]
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- If traditional terms make you uncomfortable, you can come up with your own! Some trans people call it "shark week" or emphasize the men- in menstruation.
Keep in mind that you aren’t alone. There’s no need to put too much pressure on yourself to figure this out right away, so take it one step at a time. If you have a regular period, it is critical that you take care of yourself and your body. Remember that your period is neither male nor female, nor does it make you male or female. It is simply a function of your body, and that’s fine.^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Dealing With Your Period

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Use whichever menstrual products you’re comfortable with. ^{[6]
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- Pads: Small absorbent cotton pads that are either glued to the inside of underwear or, in the case of some reusable cloth pads, snapped into place with fasteners. Pads may be preferred by some trans people because they do not require the insertion of anything into the genitals.
- Tampons: Small cotton cylinders that are inserted into the vagina. When properly inserted, you should not be able to feel it in place.
- Period underwear: Made up of three layers: a highly absorbent layer, a leak-resistant layer, and the external fabric, which is often in fun patterns and colors and comes in a variety of styles such as boxers and boyshorts. The underwear is then washable and reusable for an extended period of time, allowing you to interact with menstrual blood and products as little as possible.
- Menstrual cups: A Silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina and emptied as needed to collect menstrual blood. A menstrual cup can cost around $50 and last for many years if rinsed and sterilized in boiling water on a regular basis. Using a menstrual cup, on the other hand, necessitates inserting it into the vagina, which can be uncomfortable. But if inserted properly, you should not be able to feel it in there.
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Talk to a friend. If you want to talk about your feelings, find a close friend, partner, or loved one to confide in. When you’re feeling down, talking to someone who understands and won’t judge you is a good idea.^{[8]
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- A transgender or nonbinary friend may be more understanding than a cisgender friend, but you can talk to them as long as they don’t judge you and you trust them.
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Get light exercise. You may not always feel like doing anything physical during your period, but exercise can really help with period pain. Light exercise can be as simple as watering plants, doing yoga, or walking the dog. ^{[9]
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- When it comes to yoga, practicing it can provide enormous benefits in terms of balancing your mood and relieving menstrual cramps. Try positions like Child’s Pose and Downward Facing Dog, they're are not too strenuous.^{[10]
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When you have cramps, heat helps to relax the muscles in your abdomen. You can apply a heating pad (on low) or apply a hot water bottle to the area of your stomach that is causing you pain.^{[11]
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This could include curling up on the couch to watch your favorite show, watching comedy, or listening to soothing music. You could relax with a pet, try breathing techniques, or meditation.
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Take a warm bath. Warm baths have been used to relieve sore, tense muscles for hundreds of years, and they’ve remained popular to this day for good reason. If taking a bath causes dysphoria, covering your chest with a hand towel or dimming the lights while bathing may help. Warm water relaxes your muscles and can relieve tenderness and abdominal pain. ^{[12]
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- Also, while bubble bath and bath bombs are nice additions, use them with caution if you are on your period. Chemicals and dyes can irritate the vaginal lining and disrupt your pH balance, which is already delicate when you’re menstruating. Instead, use essential oils, Epsom salts, or nothing at all.
- Alternatively, you could shower on your period. The blood will rinse off and run down the drain, allowing you to thoroughly clean yourself. If you use pads, you may notice that the dried blood is washing off, which simply means that you are washing away any potential infections and odors. Remember that your vagina is self-cleaning. To wash around your vagina, all you need is clean, warm water. If you’re using a hand-held showerhead, angle the water away from your vagina rather than directly into it.^{[13]
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During difficult times of your cycle, or whenever you feel dysphoric, try doing or saying things that affirm your identity, such as wearing your favorite outfit. Clothes that make you feel good and affirm your gender, as well as binding (using a binder to flatten your chest) or packing (padding your underwear to give the appearance of having a penis), can make a big difference. Wear clothes that make you feel at ease and confident to help alleviate symptoms such as bloating and a swollen chest.^{[14]
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Have an orgasm. This isn't always the best option if you're dysphoric, but having an orgasm during your period may help relieve menstrual cramps, help you fall asleep faster, and help you gain confidence. You or your partner can use a vibrator or another toy for some clitoral stimulation (because not everyone inserts their fingers or other objects to achieve an orgasm). Again, if you're dysphoric or simply don't want to, don't feel obligated to masturbate or have sex on your period.^{[15]
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- Know ways to manage sex if you're transgender.

Part 3

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Taking Care of Yourself

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1
Keep track of your menstrual cycle. When you track your menstrual cycle, you will be notified when your period is due. You can mark it on a calendar, use a calendar app on your phone, or a period-tracking app. ^{[16]
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- “Clue,” a cycle tracking app with a gender-neutral interface (unlike many apps that are marketed solely toward feminine cis women), is secure and accurate.
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Change your diet. While it may be tempting to snack on potato chips or candy, these foods are high in sugar, trans fat, and salt. Eating them can cause bloating and inflammation, worsening muscle pain and cramping. Some healthier alternatives include:^{[17]
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- Leafy greens: Iron levels can be increased by eating leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach. Spinach is high in magnesium as well.
- Nuts: The majority of nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and a good source of protein. They also have magnesium and a variety of vitamins.
- Pineapple: The sweet fruit contains manganese, copper, vitamin C, B1, B6 and several other vitamins. Pineapple’s vitamins help to relax your muscles, making it an excellent remedy for cramps.
- Yogurt: Yogurt can nourish the good bacteria in your body and may aid in the fight against infections. Yogurt is also high in magnesium and other important nutrients such as calcium.
- Bananas: Bananas may ease cramps. They are high in potassium and can help prevent muscle pain and bloating.
- Beverages you should drink on your period include peppermint tea, herbal tea, and water.
- Avoid red meat, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
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Be safe while binding on your period. Your chest may swell and become sore in the days preceding a period for many people with breast tissue. For some people, this may appear to be just another unpleasant symptom of PMS, but it can cause unbearable dysphoria and discomfort for others.^{[19]
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- Limit your binder usage by wearing it only to work or school, then changing into loose-fitting shirts and pasties at home.
- As a temporary substitute for a binder, you can wear a sports bra or a tank top.
- Giving yourself (or receiving one from a partner) a massage can help alleviate the symptoms of tenderness and soreness in your breasts/chest area. This is not a good option for everyone, though, especially if you have dysphoria.
- Don’t do high-energy activities while wearing a binder, and don't sleep with a binder.
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Note that taking hormones can have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle.^{[20]
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- Testosterone: If you take testosterone or use hormone replacement therapy, your period may become lighter and shorter over time, or it may arrive unexpectedly before stopping. Testosterone injections (rather than testosterone cream) can hasten this process. Occasional spotting or cramping may be normal after a period has ended. This is not permanent, so if you stop taking hormones, your period will return.^{[22]
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- Puberty blocking hormones: Puberty blocking hormones prevent the gendered changes that occur during puberty, including body changes such as breast growth and menstruation.
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Remember that getting pregnant is still possible if you haven’t had surgery to remove your reproductive organs — even if your period is becoming more irregular. Ovulation will most likely be blocked if you use testosterone, but it is possible to become pregnant while using testosterone. So, if you’re having sexual relations with someone who has sperm, and you don’t want to get pregnant, take precautions and use birth control.^{[23]
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- With hormonal birth control, people who use certain types of hormonal birth control may notice that their periods become lighter or stop entirely.
Vitamin D can aid in the absorption of calcium and the reduction of inflammation in the body. Other supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and magnesium, can help reduce inflammation and may even make your periods less painful. Take supplements on a daily basis, not just during your period, for the best results. Also, because some supplements interact with medications, consult your doctor before beginning any new regimen.^{[24]
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Take care of any pain or concerns during your period. Take pain medication, such as ibuprofen, if necessary; everyone experiences some level of pain during their periods. There is a common misconception that painful periods are a normal part of some people’s menstrual cycles, but this is not the case. If your periods are consistently uncomfortable, painful, or debilitating, it’s critical to consult with a doctor you trust and find a solution that works for you. ^{[25]
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- If your symptoms are unbearable, consult your doctor. While some pain and discomfort are normal during your period, you should see a doctor if your symptoms become intolerable.
- Everyone deserves to be seen by healthcare professionals who are attentive to their needs and capable of providing thoughtful care. If you’re looking for a provider who is more sensitive to your specific needs and knowledgeable about trans and non-binary issues, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association both have searchable provider databases that may be useful.^{[26]
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Isn’t this the same as a period for anyone?

Nico

Top Answerer

No. Menstruation occurs in everyone who has a uterus (unless they are using hormone blockers). While a cisgender girl might be fine with her period, a period for a transgender or nonbinary person can be distressing and cause dysphoria.

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Is it OK to get my uterus removed?

Nico

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Sure, if you want to. This is referred to as a hysterectomy, the permanent removal of a uterus. You won't be able to get pregnant or menstruate once you get this. There are some risks to this, the procedure can be costly, and you must be over 18. Do research and make sure you truly want your uterus removed before making the decision.

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Can a man have a period?

Nico

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A trans man could possibly have a menstrual cycle, but a cisgender man can't have a period.

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Tips

If you feel uncomfortable or dysphoric buying menstrual products in public, have them shipped to your home rather than buying them in a store, or have a trusted friend buy them.

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Wash your hands before and after using menstrual products.

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It’s a good idea to purchase a pair of pad-friendly boxers.

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Warnings

Never leave a heating pad plugged in or unattended overnight.

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Avoid supposedly “pH balancing,“ “douche,” or scented products that cause irritation and can actually affect the pH of your vagina.

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