Last Updated on September 23, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
There have been claims on social media that gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can have negative effects on the long-term health of children who undergo the treatment. We fact-checked the misconception and found it to be False.
The Claim
Certain myths circulating on social media suggest that gender-affirming hormones, or hormone replacement therapy, are administered to children and can have negative effects on their long-term health.
Fact Check
What does gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy mean?
Gender-affirming hormone therapy is an important part of medical management for individuals who identify as transgender or gender non-binary. It should be emphasised that this therapy plays an essential role in enhancing the quality of life and mental well-being of transgender individuals. This allows them to live more authentically with their affirmed gender identities.
For transgender youth, hormone therapy serves the primary purpose of alleviating gender dysphoria, improving mental health outcomes, and increasing overall life satisfaction by aligning physical characteristics with their gender identity. Therefore, it is an essential component of transgender healthcare. This highlights the need for accessible and supportive medical care for transgender youth as they navigate their journey of self-discovery and affirmation.
What are the types of gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy?
Gender-affirming hormone therapy includes a range of hormone treatments available to transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This would help them harmonise their physical characteristics with their gender identities. The type of therapy used can differ based on an individual’s gender goals and medical needs.
Both feminising hormone therapy and masculinising hormone therapy fall under the umbrella of gender-affirming hormone therapy. Feminising hormone therapy is frequently utilised by transgender women and individuals assigned male at birth who desire to develop feminine secondary sexual traits. This therapy usually involves the use of oestrogen hormones, which can cause fat redistribution, breast enhancement, and softer skin.
Transgender men, who were assigned female at birth, often pursue masculinising hormone therapy to develop secondary sexual characteristics typically associated with men. Testosterone is commonly used in this context to promote the growth of facial hair, deepen the voice, and enhance muscle mass.
It is important to emphasise that the decision regarding these therapies, including the specific prescribed medication and dosages used, should be made in consultation with experienced medical professionals. Please make sure to consult doctors who have expertise in treating transgender patients. The health experts consider various factors. These include patient’s overall health, medical history, and gender-specific goals, in order to determine the most suitable course of action. Please remember that regular monitoring of the effectiveness and safety of hormone therapy is essential. These would help in the achievement of the desired physical improvements while minimising risks.
Does hormone therapy have a deleterious impact on transgender youth?
No, not really. Gender-affirming hormones are generally prescribed to individuals who are at least 18 years old. Please note that self-administration is not advised. However, in some cases, adolescents in their late teens may receive gender-affirming hormones with the approval of a physician, consent from their parents, and informed consent from the adolescent themselves. This course of treatment is typically reserved for those who have socially transitioned for a significant period of time.
Adjuvant hormone therapy has consistently demonstrated a beneficial effect on the overall well-being of transgender teenagers. It enhances their quality of life, reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, and mitigates the risk of self-harm behaviours. Additionally, transgender youths have reported increased life satisfaction and a decrease in suicidal symptoms of depression and anxiety following gender-affirming hormone therapy. These findings further reinforce the positive impact of hormone therapy on the mental well-being of transgender teenagers.
When used properly and under the guidance of medical professionals, gender-affirming hormones are usually regarded as safe for both teenagers and adults. Depending on how long they are administered, adjuvant hormone use may have a wholly or partially reversible effect. During the informed consent process for medications or treatments, it is important to discuss both the potential advantages and adverse effects, including the impact on fertility.
Dr. Nikita Chauhan, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, stresses the importance of adhering to prescribed guidelines for administering adjuvant gender affirmation hormone therapy for transgender teenagers, which should not be initiated before the age of 18. She further explains that the gender-affirming hormone therapy can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety and has a positive impact on overall well-being.
Therefore, hormones that promote gender identity are vital for the health of transgender teenagers and adults. This is due to the fact that this therapy empowers them to develop secondary sex traits that are in accordance with their gender identity. However, emphasis should be placed on the fact that gender affirmation medicine is still in its infancy and requires more thorough research.
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