Hormones, Youth

Gender-affirming hormone therapy consists of using testosterone or estrogen to aid trans (including nonbinary) individuals, who so desire, to develop secondary sexual characteristics more in line with their gender identity. Along with social transition and gender-affirming surgeries, it is one of the medically necessary and potentially lifesaving treatments available for gender dysphoria, and it is the standard care for trans adults and adolescents.

Depending on the age and physical development at time of presentation, youth with gender dysphoria may be candidates for different treatment options. For those presenting prior to the onset of puberty or during childhood, most interventions are of a psychosocial nature and include, but are not limited to, social transition and psychological and family support. For these patients when they begin puberty, and ...