Transwomen Who #KnowMore, #LiveMore

When a child is born, a doctor says, "It’s a boy" or "It’s a girl." Assigning someone's sex is based on biology -- chromosomes, anatomy, and hormones. But those who are transwomen feel different from their physical appearances. Transwomen believe they were assigned a male physique that isn’t true to who they are. They feel "trapped" in the wrong body. 

Oral Contraceptive Option for Transwomen

Although the Philippines remain a fairly conservative country in reference to popular western culture, slowly, we are seeing an increase in the awareness of this community.

Every culture has unspoken rules about what is expected for men and women. So most people grow up believing men should act a certain way and women should act a certain way. When transwomen become aware that they feel mismatched with their bodies, they may feel confused and emotionally conflicted. With all the prejudice present in society, it takes a lot of courage for a transwoman to come out and go beyond culture's norm of gender binary.

Transwomen & Oral Contraceptives

However, like everyone, transwomen want to feel accepted, understood, and supported. Transitioning to your chosen gender identity can be challenging. This can be as simple as the clothes you wear, hairstyle, and name. While for others, using oral contraceptives for hormone therapy is an option to transition to how they look and feel.

Estrogen is the main hormone responsible for promoting “female” physical traits. It works directly on tissues in your body (e.g., makes breasts develop) and also indirectly suppresses your testosterone.

Anti-androgen drugs work by blocking the effect of testosterone. This reduces “male” physical traits and has a mildly “feminizing” effect. For example, they will help slow “male”-pattern baldness, reduce growth of facial hair, and stop spontaneous/morning erections.

Cybelle Oral Contraceptive

Know More, Live More

The #knowmore.livemore campaign was launched to give transwomen the right information to help her safely transition and enjoy life. Different oral contraceptives were introduced to give transwomen options in choosing the right hormone therapy to suit their lifestyle.

Cybelle, is an oral contraceptive made from Cyproterone acetate 2mg + Ethinylestradiol 35mcg that softens masculine feature while relieving you from severe acne.

Cybelle stops androgen hormones from making excess oil that causes pimples. Taking Cybelle daily will give you fewer breakouts and clear smooth skin. It has FDA approved indication for severe acne, excessive hair growth on face & body (hirsutism) and is an effective oral contraceptive. It is priced at Php 450 / 21 tablets per pack, Cybelle is your clear choice against severe acne.

Anyone who has experienced breakouts can attest that at some point, it's less about the zits themselves and more about wanting to show a better version of yourself that projects who you are on the inside

Cybelle is part of the portfolio of affordable European oral contraceptives. This include Minipil (Levonorgestrel 100mcg + Ethinylestradiol 20mcg), a low dosage oral contraceptive that’s safe for first time users.

Oral Contraceptive Options for Transwomen

There is also Lizelle (Drospirenone 3mg + Ethinylestradiol 20mcg) which helps manage weight and is also prescribed for aches caused by PMS and Liza (Drospirenone 3mg + Ethinylestradiol 30mcg)is an oral contraceptive that prevents weight gain, and lessens break through bleeding.

A transwoman’s appearance and quality of life can be improved through hormone therapy. But often times, they become victims of stigma or discrimination because of their physical transition.
 But being trans is about identity. Know more about these choices by consulting a health professional for the best advice.