Caitlyn Jenner Vanity Fair & News: The Real Challenges Faced by Senior Transgender People

Caitlyn Jenner's recent debut on the cover of Vanity Fair has brought attention to seniors who may be considering transitioning themselves and the challenges they might face in the process.

Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce Jenner, graced the cover of Vanity Fair on Monday. Her transition has been greeted with "outpourig support." 

According to CNN, Jenner's high-profile transition, combined with other transgenders who have been open about the transition process, has brought sex change into the scrutinizing spotlight.

Dr. Timothy Cavanaugh, medical director at the Transgender Health Program of Fenway Health, says, "There's certainly a growing acceptance of gender diversity and understanding of how important [affirming internal gender] is."

According to KSPR, the Encyclopedia of Surgery has found that there are approximately 100 to 500 genital surgeries taking place in the United States each year and the number only seems to be growing.

Adding to the number of transgenders are senior citizens—like 65-year-old Caitlyn—who may have suppressed their inner feelings growing up because it was not socially accepted back then.

"I think many people thought their only option was to hit their internal gender or repress it [because] there wasn't a lot of social support or acceptance. With growing awareness, [however] people in their 40s, 50s, and up are coming to a place where they can do something about it," explains Cavanaugh.

However, physically transitioning for the older generation may be more difficult than the younger generation, according to CNN.

One obstacle seniors would have to overcome is lifelong hormone therapy because the bodies of older people grow less responsive to hormones.

Referring to transwomen, Dr. Cavanaugh says, "[Hormone therapy for seniors] may mean that it takes a little longer, that the feminization is not as vigorous, or the effects may not be as satisfactory in older transwomen."

Meanwhile, hormone therapy for transmen—defined as females transitioning to males—may be more effective when older. Testosterone therapy is perceived as much safer and more effective than estrogen therapy, explains Cavanaugh.

Another big part of transitioning is genital surgery, which can be difficult for all ages. For instance, creating a vagina for a transwomen generally means that tissue from the penis is extracted and placed in new location.

More often than not, the repositioned tissue dies in older people because of lack of good circulation. Dr. David Alessi, a facial plastic surgeon, says that older patients are more likely to undergo two or three genital surgeries before attaining the physical form they desire.

CNN adds that the older generation might experience other general problems associated with age like high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, which could make any type of surgery more risky.