Endocrine Treatment of Gender-Dysphoric/Gender-Incongruent Persons

Publication Date: September 13, 2017
Last Updated: March 18, 2022

Diagnosis

Evaluation of Youth and Adults

Endocrine Society (ES) advises that only trained mental health professionals (MHPs) who meet the following criteria should diagnose GD/GI in adults: ( UGPS )
  1. Competence in using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and/or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) for diagnostic purposes
  2. The ability to diagnose GD/GI and make a distinction between GD/GI and conditions that have similar features (e.g., body dysmorphic disorder)
  3. Training in diagnosing psychiatric conditions
  4. The ability to undertake or refer for appropriate treatment
  5. The ability to psychosocially assess the person’s understanding, mental health, and social conditions that can impact gender-affirming hormone therapy, and
  6. A practice of regularly attending relevant professional meetings
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Treatment

Treatment of Adolescents

ES suggests that adolescents who meet diagnostic criteria for GD/GI, fulfill criteria for treatment, and are requesting treatment should initially undergo treatment to suppress pubertal development. (2-L)
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Overview

Title

Endocrine Treatment of Gender-Dysphoric/Gender-Incongruent Persons

Authoring Organization