Healthcare, Vol. 13, Pages 1659: Psychological and Physical Health Outcomes Associated with Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth: A Critical Review

Healthcare doi: 10.3390/healthcare13141659

Authors:
Terri A. Croteau
Jan Gelech
Melanie A. Morrison
Todd G. Morrison

Introduction: Access of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth to gender-affirming medical care (GAMC) has become a contentious topic in the West, with many members of the general population, politicians, and even some experts and academic researchers voicing concerns about possible adverse effects of GAMC on the mental and physical health of TGD youth. Due to these concerns, recent years have seen a significant rise in legislation restricting TGD youth from accessing GAMC in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. However, in this critical review of the literature on the psychological (e.g., anxiety, depression, suicide, and body satisfaction) and physical (e.g., bone health, cognitive function, and fertility) health outcomes associated with GAMC among TGD youth, we argue that, given the state of current research, youth should not be restricted from accessing GAMC. Conclusions: Our findings reinforce the importance of close monitoring by doctors, counselling for TGD youth with respect to potential risks, and increased studies on the topic, especially those focusing on reproductive health.

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Terri A. Croteau www.mdpi.com