Evaluation of Healthcare for Transgender Veterans

In a study evaluating healthcare for transgender veterans within the VA Northern California Healthcare System, 148 veterans diagnosed with gender dysphoria were identified, with 95 identifying as transwomen, 43 as transmen, and 10 as non-binary; non-binary veterans were excluded from further analysis. The study found that transmen were significantly younger than transwomen (42±13.7 vs 51.5±15.9 years, p< 0.001). Transwomen were more likely to consult with an endocrinologist (83.2%) and a speech therapist (44.2%) compared to transmen (72.1% and 25.6%, respectively). Gender-affirming hormone therapy varied between groups, with transwomen receiving a combination of therapies and transmen receiving only testosterone. A majority had not undergone gender-affirming surgery, and only 62% of transwomen had PSA measurements. Both groups had similar follow-up in Behavioral Health Clinics, but only 36.8% of transwomen were seen in Dermatology clinics for gender-specific needs. The study concluded that transgender veterans' care could be improved with a more consistent, team-based approach.