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Bayraktar Z. Letter to: Endocrinological Approach to Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria: Experience of a Pediatric Endocrinology Department in a Tertiary Center in Turkey. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2023; 15:449-450. [PMID: 37710957 PMCID: PMC10683542 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2023.2023-9-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zeki Bayraktar
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Sancaktepe Şehit Prof Dr. İlhan Varank Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Urology, İstanbul, Turkey
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2
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Lehmann K. Supporting gender-diverse young people: the role of the nurse. Nurs Stand 2023; 38:61-65. [PMID: 37650154 DOI: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Gender-diverse individuals will need to access healthcare services for various reasons, with most of this care provided outside of specialist gender services. Nurses have an important role in advocating for the specific needs of gender-diverse individuals and providing person-centred care. Therefore, they have a responsibility to ensure their knowledge of appropriate terminology and gender-affirming interventions is up to date. This article provides information about gender diversity to enhance nurses' understanding of this area to enable them to care for gender-diverse people effectively and sensitively. While the focus of this article is on gender-diverse young people, the same principles can be applied across all age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Lehmann
- child and adolescent mental health and emotional wellbeing, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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3
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Barbi L, Tornese G. Ethical dilemmas of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs for the treatment of gender dysphoria. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2023; 48:1-3. [PMID: 33880896 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.21.03452-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Barbi
- Maastricht University, FHML, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gianluca Tornese
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy -
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4
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Masic U, Butler G, Carruthers P, Carmichael P. Trajectories of transgender adolescents referred for endocrine intervention in England. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:1012-1017. [PMID: 35902230 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Some gender-diverse young people (YP) who experience clinically significant gender-related distress choose to pursue endocrine treatment alongside psychotherapeutic support to suppress pubertal development using gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa), and then to acquire the secondary sex characteristics of their identified gender using gender affirming hormones (GAH). However, little is known about the demographics of transgender adolescents accessing paediatric endocrinology services while under the specialist Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) in England. DESIGN Demographics of referrals from the GIDS to affiliated endocrinology clinics to start GnRHa or GAH between 2017 and 2019 (cohort 1), with further analysis of a subgroup of this cohort referred in 2017-2018 (cohort 2) were assessed. RESULTS 668 adolescents (227 assigned male at birth (AMAB) and 441 assigned female at birth (AFAB)) were referred to endocrinology from 2017 to 2019. The mean age of first GIDS appointment for cohort 1 was 14.2 (±2.1) years and mean age of referral to endocrinology postassessment was 15.4 (±1.6) years. Further detailed analysis of the trajectories was conducted in 439 YP in cohort 2 (154 AMAB; 285 AFAB). The most common pathway included a referral to access GnRHa (98.1%), followed by GAH when eligible (42%), and onward referral to adult services when appropriate (64%). The majority (54%) of all adolescents in cohort 2 had a pending or completed referral to adult services. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the trajectories adolescents may take when seeking endocrine treatments in child and adolescent clinical services and may be useful for guiding decisions for gender-diverse YP and planning service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Masic
- Gender Identity Development Service, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gary Butler
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescents, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Paul Carruthers
- Department of Endocrinology, Leeds Children's Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Polly Carmichael
- Gender Identity Development Service, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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5
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O’Connell MA, Nguyen TP, Ahler A, Skinner SR, Pang KC. Approach to the Patient: Pharmacological Management of Trans and Gender-Diverse Adolescents. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:241-257. [PMID: 34476487 PMCID: PMC8684462 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Internationally, increasing numbers of children and adolescents with gender dysphoria are presenting for care. In response, gender-affirming therapeutic interventions that seek to align bodily characteristics with an individual's gender identity are more commonly being used. Depending on a young person's circumstances and goals, hormonal interventions may aim to achieve full pubertal suppression, modulation of endogenous pubertal sex hormone effects, and/or development of secondary sex characteristics congruent with their affirmed gender. This is a relatively novel therapeutic area and, although short-term outcomes are encouraging, longer term data from prospective longitudinal adolescent cohorts are still lacking, which may create clinical and ethical decision-making challenges. Here, we review current treatment options, reported outcomes, and clinical challenges in the pharmacological management of trans and gender-diverse adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele A O’Connell
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Adolescent Medicine, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Thomas P Nguyen
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Astrid Ahler
- Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology (RME), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - S Rachel Skinner
- Speciality of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney University, Children’s Hospital Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Ken C Pang
- Department of Adolescent Medicine, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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6
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Jessen RS, Wæhre A, David L, Stänicke E. Negotiating Gender in Everyday Life: Toward a Conceptual Model of Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:3489-3503. [PMID: 34716499 PMCID: PMC8604851 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of adolescents are seeking medical care to alleviate gender dysphoria (GD). This qualitative study explored the subjective experiences of GD among help-seeking transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth in order to develop a more nuanced conceptualization of the phenomenon. Fifteen life-mode interviews were conducted with newly referred youth between the ages of 13 and 19. All participants were assigned female at birth. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The participants targeted five major themes that characterize GD: (1) Bodily sensations were constant reminders of GD throughout the day, (2) emotional memories from the past of being different and outside triggered GD, (3) the process of coming out was a transformative experience that changed how the participants understood themselves, (4) GD both increased and decreased in relation to others, (5) everyday life required careful negotiation to feel whole without developing new forms of GD. Based on the results, we suggest a more conceptually nuanced model of GD, one which accounts for how bodily sensations and emotional memories from the past were sources that elicited GD. The sources were mediated through the process of coming out and relating to others, and this resulted in the negotiation of GD today. The conceptual model suggested in the present study could ideally shed light on preexisting knowledge on TGNC youth struggling with GD. In addition, an improved understanding of GD could ideally help clinicians when addressing individual treatment needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reidar Schei Jessen
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Kirkeveien 166, 0450, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anne Wæhre
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linda David
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Stänicke
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Xu JY, O’Connell MA, Notini L, Cheung AS, Zwickl S, Pang KC. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators: A Potential Option For Non-Binary Gender-Affirming Hormonal Care? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:701364. [PMID: 34226826 PMCID: PMC8253879 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.701364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender dysphoria describes the distress associated with having a gender identity that differs from one's birth-assigned sex. To relieve this distress, transgender, and gender diverse (henceforth, trans) individuals commonly undergo medical transition involving hormonal treatments. Current hormonal treatment guidelines cater almost exclusively for those who wish to transition from male to female or vice versa. In contrast, there is a dearth of hormonal options for those trans individuals who identify as non-binary and seek an androgynous appearance that is neither overtly male nor female. Though prolonged puberty suppression with gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) could in theory be gender-affirming by preventing the development of unwanted secondary sex characteristics, this treatment option would be limited to pre- or peri-pubertal adolescents and likely have harmful effects. Here, we discuss the theoretical use of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) for non-binary people assigned male at birth (AMAB) who are seeking an androgynous appearance through partial feminization without breast growth. Given their unique range of pharmacodynamic effects, SERMs may represent a potential gender-affirming treatment for this population, but there is a lack of knowledge regarding their use and potentially adverse effects in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Y. Xu
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Michele A. O’Connell
- Clinical Sciences and Genetics Themes, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Adolescent Medicine, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren Notini
- Clinical Sciences and Genetics Themes, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ada S. Cheung
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Sav Zwickl
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Ken C. Pang
- Clinical Sciences and Genetics Themes, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Adolescent Medicine, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Ken C. Pang,
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore a developmental understanding of childhood gender dysphoria and to compare it to the prevailing paradigm, gender-affirming care. CONCLUSION Viewing gender dysphoria through a contemporary developmental frame generates a different understanding of the nature of the phenomenon and its treatment and raises ethical questions about our current gender-affirming approach.
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Abstract
Individuals who experience a gender identity that is discordant with biological sex are increasingly presenting to physicians for assistance in alleviating associated psychological distress. In contrast to prior efforts to identify and primarily address underlying psychiatric contributors to gender dysphoria, interventions that include uncritical social affirmation, use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to suppress normally timed puberty, and administration of cross-sex steroid hormones to induce desired secondary sex characteristics are now advocated by an emerging cohort of transgender medicine specialists. For patients with persistent gender dysphoria, surgery is offered to alter the appearance of breasts and genital organs. Efforts to address ethical concerns regarding this contentious treatment paradigm are dependent upon reliable evidence on immediate and long-term risks and benefits. Although strong recommendations have been made for invasive and potentially irreversible interventions, high-quality scientific data on the effects of this approach are generally lacking. Limitations of the existing transgender literature include general lack of randomized prospective trial design, small sample size, recruitment bias, short study duration, high subject dropout rates, and reliance on "expert" opinion. Existing data reveal significant intervention-associated morbidity and raise serious concern that the primary goal of suicide prevention is not achieved. In addition to substantial moral questions, adherence to established principles of evidence-based medicine necessitates a high degree of caution in accepting gender-affirming medical interventions as a preferred treatment approach. Continued consideration and rigorous investigation of alternate approaches to alleviating suffering in people with gender dysphoria are warranted. SUMMARY This paper provides an overview of what is currently known about people who experience a gender identity that differs from their biological sex and the associated desire to engage the medical profession in alleviating associated discomfort and distress. The scientific evidence used to support current recommendations for affirming one's preferred gender, halting normally timed puberty, administering cross-sex hormones, and surgically altering primary and secondary sexual traits are summarized and critically evaluated. Serious deficits in understanding the cause of this condition, the reasons for the marked increase in people presenting for medical care, together with immediate and long-term risks relative to benefit of medical intervention are exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W. Hruz
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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10
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Sierra MDC. Menores transgénero en el Reino Unido: Polémica por la investigación sobre bloqueadores puberales. CLÍNICA CONTEMPORÁNEA 2019. [DOI: 10.5093/cc2019a17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Giovanardi G, Morales P, Mirabella M, Fortunato A, Chianura L, Speranza AM, Lingiardi V. Transition memories: experiences of trans adult women with hormone therapy and their beliefs on the usage of hormone blockers to suppress puberty. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:1231-1240. [PMID: 30953318 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01045-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent years, an increasing number of specialized gender clinics have been prescribing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs to adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) to suppress puberty. This paper presents qualitative research on the hormone therapy (HT) experiences of older trans-people and their views on puberty suppression. The main aim of this research was to explore the psychological aspects of hormonal treatments for gender non-conforming adults, including the controversial use of puberty suppression treatments. METHODS Using a semi-structured interview format, ten adult trans-women were interviewed (mean age: 37.4) to explore their personal histories regarding GD onset and development, their HT experiences, and their views on the use of GnRH analogs to suppress puberty in trans-children and adolescents. RESULTS the interview transcripts were analyzed using the consensual qualitative research method from which several themes emerged: the onset of GD, childhood experiences, experiences with puberty and HT, views on the puberty suspension procedure, and the effects of this suspension on gender identity and sexuality. CONCLUSIONS The interviews showed that overall, the participants valued the new treatment protocol due to the opportunity to prevent the severe body dysphoria and social phobia trans-people experience with puberty. It seems that the risk of social isolation and psychological suffering is increased by the general lack of acceptance and stigma toward trans-identities in the Italian society. However, during gender transitions, they highlight the need to focus more on internal and psychological aspects, rather than over-emphasize physical appearance. This study gives a voice to an under-represented group regarding the use of GnRH analogs to suppress puberty in trans-individuals, and collected firsthand insights on this controversial treatment and its recommendations in professional international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Giovanardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
| | - P Morales
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mirabella
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A Fortunato
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - A M Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - V Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Churcher Clarke A, Spiliadis A. 'Taking the lid off the box': The value of extended clinical assessment for adolescents presenting with gender identity difficulties. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2019; 24:338-352. [PMID: 30722669 DOI: 10.1177/1359104518825288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
As the number of young people referred to specialist gender identity clinics in the western world increases, there is a need to examine ways of making sense of the range and diversity of their developmental pathways and outcomes. This article presents a joint case review of the authors caseloads over an 18-month period, to identify and describe those young people who presented to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) with gender dysphoria (GD) emerging in adolescence, and who, during the course of assessment, ceased wishing to pursue medical (hormonal) interventions and/or who arrived at a different understanding of their embodied distress. From the 12 cases identified, 2 case vignettes are presented. Implications for the development of clinical practice, service delivery and research are considered.
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