Why is transgender surgery important?
Gender-affirming surgeries are associated with numerous positive health benefits, including lower rates of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, as well as lower rates of smoking, according to new research led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
What is the most effective treatment for gender dysphoria?
Hormone therapy, such as feminizing hormone therapy or masculinizing hormone therapy. Surgery, such as feminizing surgery or masculinizing surgery to change the chest, external genitalia, internal genitalia, facial features and body contour.
How do you help a transgender teenager?
How To Support A Transgender TeenDon't panic. First, it's going to be okay. ... Encourage exploration. Gender exploration is a normal part of development. ... Get educated. ... Create a safe place for discussion. ... Allow yourself time to transition. ... Get help.
What is hormone therapy for teens?
Gender-affirming hormone treatment with estrogen or testosterone can help bring a transgender person's physical characteristics in line with their gender identity. In adolescence, hormone therapy can enable a transgender teenager to go through puberty in a way that matches their gender identity.
Can gender dysphoria go away?
Gender dysphoria is the feeling of discomfort or distress that might accompany a difference between experienced or expressed gender and sex assigned at birth. Gender dysphoria that starts in childhood and worsens with the start of puberty rarely goes away.
How can I help my daughter with gender dysphoria?
How Can I Help My Child with Gender Dysphoria?Offer support. ... Educate yourself. ... Get them in gender-affirming therapy. ... Ask questions. ... Allow for (and encourage) exploration. ... Help them with a medical transition. ... Advocate for your child.
What age does transgender start?
Transgender Women Results The mean age of the first onset of GD was 6.71 years, with a mode and median of 5. The mean number of years that these patients lived with GD prior to beginning gender-affirming transition (either surgery, GAHT, or social transition) was 27.14 years (Table 2).
Can transgender get pregnant?
Pregnancy is possible for transgender men who retain functioning ovaries and a uterus, such as in the case of Thomas Beatie. Regardless of prior hormone replacement therapy treatments, the progression of pregnancy and birthing procedures are typically the same as those of cisgender women.
At what age can you start hormone therapy?
If used in an adolescent, hormone therapy typically begins at age 16. Ideally, treatment starts before the development of secondary sex characteristics so that teens can go through puberty as their identified gender. Many trans girls are treated with a medication to delay the start of puberty.
Are gender affirming hormones safe?
Gender-affirming hormone therapy is considered safe, but is not without risk, says Dr. Cartaya. The benefits include a general improvement in mental health functioning, a decrease in body dissatisfaction and an improved sense of wellbeing.
Does HRT help gender dysphoria?
Masculinizing hormone therapy can: Make gender dysphoria less severe. Reduce psychological and emotional distress. Improve psychological and social functioning.
Can I start testosterone at 15?
Doctors can prescribe estrogen or testosterone at gradually higher amounts to mimic the puberty of the female or male gender. The Endocrine Society recommends that kids start taking these hormones around age 16, but doctors will start them as early as 13 or 14.