Medical management of transgender children and adolescents

Abstract

Transgender or gender incongruence (GI) persons identify themselves with a gender that is different from that correspondent to their birth sex. The demand for health services by families with transgender children or adolescents tends to increase. The prevalence of GI in children is unknown; however, it has been estimated to be > 1% in adolescents. Transgender persons are at increased risk of depression, suicide, illicit drug abuse, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and non-accidental injuries. The most accepted model for the care of transgender persons assumes that these adverse outcomes are the consequence of social margination rather than the GI condition itself. Social and physical gender transition seems to be effective in increasing the well-being of people with GI and reducing associated health risks. Mental health professionals can support the child in the process of social transition. The pediatric endocrinologist may offer puberty blockade and cross-sex induction of puberty. Surgical sex reassignment interventions are reserved for adults. Gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation are three relatively independent categories that can take any value, which is not necessarily binary (male/female) or fixed. Health professionals should be familiar with these concepts to offer the best resources available to optimize the well-being of each transgender child or adolescent with an individualized approach.