TLDR Hormone therapy is safe and effective for transgender adults, but requires regular monitoring and mental health support.
The document from 2020 discusses hormone treatment for adult transgender individuals, highlighting the biological underpinnings of gender identity and detailing typical hormone regimens for transgender men and women. It presents evidence of neuroanatomical structures in the brain that correspond with an individual's gender identity rather than their sex assigned at birth. Transgender men often use testosterone to masculinize their bodies, while transgender women typically use estrogen in combination with antiandrogens like spironolactone for feminization. The safety and efficacy of hormone therapy are affirmed, with the recommendation for regular monitoring to manage side effects and maintain correct hormone levels. Additionally, the document underscores the necessity of mental health support for transgender patients and briefly touches on hormone therapy considerations for transgender youth, including the use of puberty blockers.
2295 citations,
August 2012 in “The international journal of transgenderism/International journal of transgenderism” The guidelines recommend informed consent for gender-affirming treatments and stress the importance of personalized, culturally sensitive care for transgender individuals.
855 citations,
June 2009 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The guideline recommends mental health involvement in diagnosing gender identity disorder and outlines hormone and surgical treatment protocols, emphasizing safety, informed consent, and long-term monitoring.
September 2023 in “Fides et Ratio” The safety and effectiveness of gender-affirming treatments for children are uncertain, with potential long-term risks like infertility.
116 citations,
December 2013 in “The Journal of Pediatrics” Most youth with gender dysphoria received hormones, had minor complications, and showed a decrease in suicide attempts after treatment.
1 citations,
October 2022 in “Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics” Gender-affirming therapy can cause skin issues like acne and hair loss in transgender adolescents, and more research is needed on its dermatological effects.
57 citations,
December 2018 in “JAMA Surgery” Hormone treatment for transgender patients may not need to be stopped before surgery, but more research is needed, especially on estrogen.
