Open AccessCare for Transgender Young People
Author(s) -
Damian Krebs,
Rebecca M. Harris,
Alyssa Steinbaum,
Sarah Pilcher,
Carly E. Guss,
Jessica Kremen,
Stephanie Roberts,
Charumathi Baskaran,
Jeremi Carswell,
Kate Millington
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
hormone research in paediatrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.816
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1663-2826
pISSN - 1663-2818
DOI - 10.1159/000524030
Subject(s) - transgender , transgender person , psychological intervention , medicine , health care , gender dysphoria , fertility preservation , fertility , family medicine , psychology , psychiatry , population , environmental health , psychoanalysis , economics , economic growth
Clinicians of all disciplines, including pediatric endocrinologists, are likely to encounter transgender and gender diverse (TGD) young people in their practice regardless of whether they specialize in gender-affirming medical care. Because of this, it is important to be aware of the ways in which medical professionals can affirm these individuals. Although gender-affirming therapy should always include affirmation including proper use of names and pronouns, the transition journey will look different for each patient. The gender-affirming care of TGD young people may include both medical and non-medical interventions (e.g., social transition). Therapies utilized for medical gender-transition such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and/or gender-affirming hormones have implications for growth, bone health, cardiovascular health, and fertility, although these impacts are not yet completely understood. This review provides an overview of the care of transgender young people as well as a summary of what is known about the outcomes of these therapies. Clinicians should advise TGD young people and their families of the known and unknown risks and work together with patients to decide upon a treatment and follow-up regimen that aligns with their individual gender affirmation and health goals.