For most of history, menstruation and menopause have fallen neatly into the category of the feminine experience. And yet, this topic is far more complicated for non-binary individuals and the transgender community. Trans men and non-binary people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB), i.e., who were born with biologically female anatomy, may still have their period if they are not receiving masculinizing hormone therapy such as testosterone or progesterone, or have not had a hysterectomy or their ovaries removed. At the same time, the use of gender-affirming hormone therapy or masculinizing surgery by trans men can cause menstruation to slow down or cease, therefore shifting their bodies into early perimenopause or menopause, creating a cascade of many changes.

Similarly, trans women who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) due to being born with biologically male anatomy, as well as other individuals who identify with women’s communities, often feel excluded from the ultra-feminizing discussion of menstruation and menopause in society. Trans women undergoing feminizing hormone therapy or feminizing surgery also experience significant bodily changes and side effects, processes that can be overwhelming even if they are empowering. 

Nontraditional menstrual and coming-of-age experiences that do not easily align with people’s fundamental need for gender expression can result in enormous identity challenges. Some members of trans and non-binary communities do not wish to or cannot utilize gender-affirming medical interventions. Continuing as menstruators may be comfortable for some trans men and non-binary people, but it can be disempowering and contribute to acute gender dysphoria for many others. A lack of compassion, support, and understanding contribute to a highly stressful confluence that often deeply impacts emotional and mental health in the transgender, non-binary, and intersex communities. 

Twelve Moons is here to support the strengthening of our collective self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Since I personally come from a cisgender life experience, I cannot presume to speak for members of gender-diverse and gender-expansive communities. In the Twelve Moons book, I primarily use the terms girls and women, and reference womanhood, girlhood, and the feminine experience. I support the use of the commonly used term menstruator to refer to all people who have ovaries and uteruses, and who menstruate or experience the transition of menopause. Twelve Moons welcomes all humans who wish to use the book or the resources provided on this site — they are for all of us.