Myths and Facts
True or false: anabolic steroids are only used to promote dominant male characteristic
False
Testosterone is known to increase this type of muscle development.
What is lean muscle mass?
This female athlete famously fought for equal treatment and opportunities in sports, emphasizing the importance of female athletes' health.
Who is Billie Jean King?
This type of therapy is often used to help transgender individuals align their physical traits with their gender identity.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
True or False: Testosterone can only be taken as a supplement.
What is False? (It can also be produced naturally in the body.)
True or False: Estrogen is only important for women’s health.
False
Many sports organizations now allow transgender athletes to compete. This hormone level requirement is often imposed for fairness.
What is testosterone levels?
True or False: Hormone therapy is only used by transgender individuals.
What is False? (Hormone therapy is used for various medical conditions and by people of all genders.)
True or False: Testosterone therapy is always about boosting masculinity and should only be available for men.
What is False? Testosterone therapy supports various health needs, including for transgender individuals and women with low testosterone.
Research shows that both testosterone and estrogen can impact this crucial aspect of health, affecting mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
What is mental health?
True or False: Transgender women are allowed to compete in women’s sports only if they have undergone surgery.
What is False? (Many organizations allow transgender women to compete based on hormone levels rather than surgical status.)
Name one major sporting event that has made strides in promoting inclusion for LGBTQ+ athletes.
What is the Olympics? (Other acceptable answers could include the World Cup, the Invictus Games, etc.)
True or False: Taking estrogen will make someone transition to a female gender identity.
What is False? (Hormone therapy is a part of the transition process, but identity is not determined solely by hormones.)
This hormone is crucial for bone health in both men and women, helping to prevent osteoporosis.
What is estrogen?
This organization advocates for equal opportunities for women in sports and has initiated various programs to promote female athletes globally.
What is the Women’s Sports Foundation?
This landmark law was passed in 1972 to ensure equal opportunities in education and athletics for women and girls.
What is Title IX?
True or false: Hormone levels fluctuate throughout life for both men and women
True
True or False: Access to testosterone for medical use is equally available in all parts of the world.
What is False? Access can be limited in low-resource countries, impacting transgender individuals and others needing hormone therapy
True or False: All sports organizations have the same policies regarding hormone levels for transgender athletes
What is False? (Policies vary widely between different sports organizations and leagues.)
Many female athletes from non-Western countries have been singled out for testing based on this characteristic, leading to claims of cultural bias.
What is naturally high testosterone?