Aryan Bangar, son of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, recently announced her gender transition on social media, sharing her story as a transgender woman. Known as Anaya Bangar, the 23-year-old has openly discussed her journey, including her experiences as an athlete undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). As she continues to break new ground in her life and career, Anaya’s story sheds light on gender transition and the complexities that come with it, especially for athletes. Here’s a look at how HRT works in gender transition and the challenges involved.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone Replacement Therapy is a medical treatment that involves supplementing hormones that the body either doesn’t produce in sufficient amounts or requires for specific conditions. HRT serves many purposes, including managing symptoms of menopause, thyroid issues, growth hormone disorders, and gender transitions. In gender-affirming treatment, it is used to help transgender individuals develop physical characteristics that align with their gender identity. For Anaya, this meant using Feminine Hormone Therapy (FHT) to foster physical changes such as softer skin and breast tissue development, while preventing masculine traits like facial hair and muscle growth.
How is HRT Administered in Gender Transition?
Gender-affirming HRT involves either Feminine or Masculine Hormone Therapy. For transgender women, like Anaya, Feminine Hormone Therapy (FHT) often involves a combination of estrogen and anti-androgens. Estrogen promotes changes such as softening of the skin, redistribution of body fat to the hips, and development of breast tissue. Anti-androgens work by blocking testosterone, reducing muscle mass, facial and body hair growth, and decreasing libido.
The duration of treatment varies based on individual needs and medical guidance. While some effects can be observed within weeks, full changes may take anywhere from six months to over a year. Typically, the complete transformation is expected between 18 to 24 months. HRT specialists tailor each treatment to the individual, taking into account the person’s health, goals, and other personal factors.
Benefits and Challenges of HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy has proven effective for gender affirmation and offers many benefits, including improved self-esteem, emotional stability, and physical changes that align with one’s gender identity. However, the process also involves certain risks. HRT can increase the likelihood of conditions such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Some individuals may also experience osteoporosis, dehydration, or an increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism).
For athletes like Anaya, HRT brings additional challenges, as the decrease in testosterone can lead to reduced muscle mass, physical strength, and stamina, impacting athletic performance. Anaya shared that these physical changes made it challenging for her to continue her cricket career, as her strength and athletic abilities diminished.
Anaya Bangar’s Experience and Challenges as a Transgender Athlete
In her post, Anaya Bangar expressed the physical and emotional toll of transitioning as an athlete. After beginning HRT, she noticed significant muscle loss, reduced strength, and a decline in her athletic skills, making it harder to compete. As a left-handed batsman at Islam Gymkhana, Anaya faced a challenging choice between continuing in sports or focusing on her journey.
One of the significant barriers for Anaya was the lack of inclusive policies for transgender athletes in cricket. She voiced her disappointment that there aren’t yet established guidelines for transgender women in the sport. Without these, athletes like Anaya face uncertainty in navigating their place within competitive sports, often making difficult sacrifices.
Anaya’s Message and the Need for Awareness
Anaya Bangar’s story is one of courage, strength, and advocacy for transgender athletes who face unique hurdles in their fields. Her experience highlights the importance of inclusive policies and support systems for transgender athletes, allowing them to participate in sports without compromising their identity or physical well-being.
