Carmichael, Polly, Gunn, Harriet M., Goedhart, Claire, Butler, Gary, Khadr, Sophie and Viner, Russell (2015) Early medical treatment of gender dysphoria: Baseline characteristics of a UK cohort beginning early intervention. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 100 (Sup 3). ISSN 0003-9888 (Print) ; 1468-2044 (Online)

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Abstract

Aims: To describe characteristics of patients referred early (<16 yrs) medical treatment for gender dysphoria (GD). GD is a rare condition in which individuals experience clinically significant distress due to incongruence between their psychological perception of, and their natally assigned, sex. Methods: We collected data prospectively on all patients referred from May 2010––July 2014 for early pubertal suppression using gonadotropin – releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) therapy. Results: 61 young people (34 natal males; 55.7%) were referred for early intervention to the national GD service endocrine liaison clinic at mean age of 13.1 years (range 9.8–15.3). All patients had a karyotype consistent with their natal sex. More natal males were in early puberty (32.4% Tanner 1/2; n = 11) than natal females (11.1% Tanner 1/2; n = 3). Baseline endocrinology and physical examination were normal for natal sex in all patients. All females who had standard synacthen tests to exclude adrenal dysfunction (77.8%; n = 21) had normal cortisol and 17OHP. 38.2% (n = 13) males had low bone mineral density compared with 11.1% of females (n = 3). 50 patients (81.9%) elected to receive GnRHa following full explanation and informed consent at Tanner stage 3, following international guidelines. GnRHa could not be commenced immediately if pre-pubertal (10/61), having very low bone mineral density (3/61) or low body mass index (BMI) (2/61). All who began GnRHa achieved full gonadatropin suppression. No young people withdrew from GnRHa treatment in the first 2 years. Many GPs were unwilling to prescribe GnRHa (56.0%; n = 28/50) therefore local hospitals (8.0%; n = 4) or the tertiary centre (36.0%; n = 18) issued prescriptions. Conclusion: Early medical intervention in GD with GnRH suppression of puberty is effective and well–tolerated. Assessment of growth, bone health and psychological outcomes will be important to assess the medium-and long-term safety and effectiveness of early intervention for GD.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Online First
Uncontrolled Keywords:	G470
Subjects:	Sex Psychology > Gender Identity
Department/People:	Special Units
URI:	https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/996

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