Well-being and suicidality among transgender youth after gender-affirming hormones.

What is it about?

This study is a longitudinal evaluation of the effectiveness of gender-affirming hormones for improving psychological well-being and decreasing suicidality among transgender youth referred to a transgender health specialty clinic at a large Midwest children’s hospital. Forty-seven youth (13.73 to 19.04 years; M = 16.59, SD = 1.19) who received gender-affirming hormones were assessed at least 2 times: before the start of treatment and at least 3 months after treatment. After gender-affirming hormones, a significant increase in levels of general well-being and a significant decrease in levels of suicidality were observed. These findings suggest that gender-affirming hormones are a valuable medical intervention with promising psychosocial outcomes for transgender youth.

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Photo by Kyle on Unsplash

Photo by Kyle on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study suggests that gender-affirming hormones are a helpful medical intervention for transgender youth. Gender-affirming hormones were found to be associated with decreases in suicidality and improvements in general well-being. This study is especially timely given recent introduction of anti-transgender legislation.