Sketchy Pharmacies Are Selling Hormones To Transgender People Essay Example

without professional medical guidance is a prevalent practice within the transgender community. Additionally, the internet has become a significant tool that presents biased sources espousing this agenda.

The internet is filled with misleading sources and information, but a significant portion of people like Andrea, who are part of the silent majority, choose to purchase hormones online. They are not necessarily discouraged from doing so, but are instead encouraged to consider the importance of receiving proper medication rather than relying on damaged treatments provided by the NHS. This situation often arises when individuals have been experiencing depression due to long wait times for treatment, leading them to seek relief through hormones that are believed to alleviate anxiety and discomfort. However, obtaining hormones online through traditional channels can be extremely challenging. As described by Katherine Sterling, individuals may find themselves being referred to various clinics or dealing with online pharmacies that attempt to take advantage of people.

Transgender individuals often face a 25 percent increase in the cost of their necessary drugs. Unfortunately, many of these individuals impulsively take these drugs due to gender dysphoria and end up feeling frustrated. As a result, some people with gender identity disorder may experience pulmonary embolism if they take estrogen without proper medical supervision at certain stages of their lives, putting their bodies at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a severe condition where blood clots form in the lungs and obstruct arteries. It is important to note that not all hormones work effectively within the body. Therefore, continuously using transgender hormones does not lead to noticeable changes but reinforces stereotypes.

Using transgender hormones without a proper prescription can be extremely dangerous.

The existence of an underground market for these hormones is a direct result of patients having unrealistic expectations about their effects. When patients buy prescription medications or controlled substances from online pharmacies, they are essentially participating in risky behavior that could harm their health. According to the World Health Organization, 15 percent of online pharmacies sell counterfeit medicine because they do not adhere to safety standards like those set by the FDA. This means that they cannot guarantee the quality or effectiveness of the products they provide. Moreover, hormones produced and distributed from overseas may become contaminated if not stored correctly to prevent degradation and loss of quality. In summary, both types of hormones carry significant health risks.

Estrogen may lead to blood clotting and increase the chances of stroke or heart disease in certain instances. Some medications, such as spironolactone for transgender women, can strain the liver and may not be appropriate for individuals with kidney problems due to their potassium-based diuretic effect. Similar to the buyers' club during the AIDs crisis, those seeking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) often encounter challenges beyond the medical system and resort to illegal drug markets when legitimate care falls short. However, some individuals, like Andrea, now find contentment in the freedom and control over their gender identity that comes with experimenting and exploring medical options.