Gender Dysphoria

Defining Gender Dysphoria

Clinical Criteria of Gender Dysphoria

Gender Dysphoria vs Sexual Orientation

Developmental Trajectories

Brain Structure Differences

Structural Differences

Effects of Hormonal Treatment on Brain Structure

The use of hormonal treatments for gender dysphoria in adolescents is an active area of clinical research with evolving evidence. Here’s an overview of the current state of research:

Types of Hormonal Treatments:

• Puberty blockers (GnRH agonists): Temporarily pause puberty development
• Gender-affirming hormones: Testosterone for transgender boys, estrogen for transgender girls (typically started later in adolescence)

Reported Benefits: Studies have suggested potential benefits including:

• Reduced gender dysphoria symptoms
• Improved psychological well-being and quality of life
• Decreased suicidal ideation in some studies
• Prevention of development of unwanted secondary sex characteristics
• Better long-term outcomes when treatment aligns with persistent gender identity

Areas of Ongoing Research and Debate:

• Long-term outcomes: Limited data on very long-term physical and psychological effects
• Bone health: Concerns about bone density with puberty blockers
• Fertility: Potential impacts on future reproductive capacity
• Cognitive development: Questions about effects on brain development
• Reversibility: While puberty blockers are considered largely reversible, cross-sex hormones cause some permanent changes