Treatment Paradigms for Adolescents: Gender-Affirming Hormonal Care

Abstract

For transgender and gender diverse youth, gender-affirming hormone therapy is often a crucial component of achieving gender goals. This chapter will discuss the initiation and management of hormone therapy in transgender youth based on their goals and physical maturity. Topics discussed include pre-hormone assessment, puberty-blocking medication in the early pubertal period, initiation of estradiol and testosterone therapy in the peri- and post-pubertal periods, adjunctive medical therapies, and long-term management. With the significant increase in children and adolescents seeking gender-affirming care, early identification, support, and effective management of gender dysphoria are all important for improved long-term health outcomes for this new generation of transgender and gender diverse youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)