Gender dysphoria is classified as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
According to the DSM-5, gender dysphoria is defined as a marked and persistent incongruence between one's experienced or expressed gender and their assigned sex, accompanied by significant distress or impairment in functioning.
Criteria
for diagnosis
For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria, they must experience clinically significant distress or impairment along with at least two specific criteria for a minimum of six months. These criteria relate to a marked incongruence between one's experienced gender and primary/secondary sex characteristics, including strong desires related to being of another gender, being rid of one's current sex characteristics, acquiring the characteristics of another gender, being treated as another gender, and a conviction of having the typical feelings and reactions of another gender.
Why
is the diagnosis important?
The
diagnosis of gender dysphoria is important because it provides a clinical
pathway for individuals to access necessary medical treatments, such as hormone
therapy or gender-affirming surgery, which often require a formal diagnosis for
insurance purposes. Treatment for gender dysphoria can help alleviate distress
and improve mental health.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
https://www.google.com/search?q=is+gender+dysphoria+a+mental+disorder+dsm-5
Gender-affirming treatments have associated risks and side effects that vary depending on the specific medical intervention, such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgery. Before beginning treatment, patients are advised to discuss these potential ill effects with a healthcare provider.
Puberty
blockers (GnRH analogues)
Used
to delay puberty, blockers suppress sex hormones but are generally considered
reversible. The full long-term effects on fertility and bone density are still
under investigation.
· Reduced bone
density: Puberty blockers can decrease bone mineral density during
treatment. This may be reversible after stopping the medication or beginning
hormone therapy.
· Impact on
fertility: The blockers can prevent the development of reproductive
organs. Their effect on a person's ability to have biological children is a
significant concern, though studies on rats showed normal reproductive function
resumed after stopping treatment.
· Brain
development: Researchers are still studying the impact of delaying puberty
on cognitive development, though studies on precocious puberty have not shown
long-term effects.
· Pseudotumor
cerebri: In July 2022, the FDA issued a warning about a rare but serious
risk of intracranial pressure causing headaches, vision changes, and nausea.
· Other side effects: Common, less severe side effects can include headaches, hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, and swelling at the injection site.
Masculinizing
hormone therapy (Testosterone)
Testosterone
therapy for transgender men can cause permanent and irreversible changes, as
well as a number of reversible and health-related side effects.
· Permanent physical
changes: Deepening of the voice, growth of facial and body hair, male-pattern
baldness, and clitoral enlargement are irreversible.
· Cardiovascular risks: A
person's risk for stroke and heart attack can increase. This is elevated for
those with pre-existing conditions, who are overweight, or who smoke.
· Erythrocytosis
(thickened blood): Testosterone can cause an increase in red blood cell count,
which raises the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Blood tests are
used to monitor this.
· Changes in cholesterol
and blood pressure: Increases in "bad" LDL cholesterol and blood
pressure, along with decreases in "good" HDL cholesterol, are
possible.
· Liver damage: In rare
cases, testosterone therapy can lead to liver damage. Regular blood tests are
needed to monitor liver function.
· Reproductive health and
infertility: The therapy can lead to irreversible infertility, and patients are
advised to discuss fertility preservation options before beginning treatment.
· Emotional and sexual health: Mood swings, increased sex drive, and vaginal dryness are common side effects.
Feminizing
hormone therapy (Estrogen and anti-androgens)
Estrogen
therapy for transgender women involves both permanent and health-related risks,
particularly cardiovascular problems.
· Permanent physical
changes: Breast development is not reversible. Some fat redistribution will
reverse if hormones are stopped, but long-term effects on fertility may be
permanent.
· Cardiovascular risks:
The risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism), stroke, and heart problems is
increased, particularly for those who smoke. Studies suggest that risk is
higher than for cisgender women but potentially similar to cisgender men.
· Cancer risks: The risk
of breast cancer appears to increase but remains similar to the risk for
cisgender women. More research is needed to understand the effect on prostate
cancer risk.
· Metabolic and other
health changes: Higher blood pressure, weight gain, high triglyceride levels,
high potassium, and an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes are potential side
effects.
· Reproductive health and
infertility: Estrogen therapy can cause infertility, and long-term use
increases the risk of it being permanent. Sperm cryopreservation is an option
to preserve fertility.
· Emotional and sexual health: Decreased sex drive, mood swings, and increased emotional vulnerability can occur during the "second puberty" experienced during hormone therapy.
Gender-affirming
surgeries
As
with any major medical procedure, gender-affirming surgeries have potential
risks, which differ depending on the specific procedure performed.
· Risks for any major
surgery: All surgeries carry risks of bleeding, infection, and negative
reactions to anesthesia.
· Feminizing surgeries
(e.g., vaginoplasty):
o Infection: Infection is
a risk for any surgery, including vaginoplasty.
o Tissue necrosis: Damage
or death of tissue used to create the vagina or labia is possible.
o Fistula: Abnormal
connections between the vagina and the bladder or rectum can form.
o Vaginal complications:
The new vagina may narrow, close, or not be deep enough for intercourse.
· Masculinizing surgeries
(e.g., phalloplasty, metoidioplasty):
o Urethral and urinary
complications: Issues with the new urethra, including strictures or fistulas,
can lead to urinary problems.
o Wound healing issues:
Poor wound healing or complications at the donor site (where tissue is taken)
can occur.
o Implant complications:
For phalloplasty with prosthetics, infection or erosion of the implant can
happen.
· Top surgeries (e.g.,
mastectomy or breast augmentation):
o Top surgery
(mastectomy): Risks include scar tissue, changes in nipple sensation, and the
need for corrective surgery.
o Breast augmentation: Risks for implants include rupture or leaking, infection, and changes in nipple sensation.
Social,
emotional, and psychological effects
Receiving
gender-affirming care can affect a person's mental and emotional state,
influenced by both internal and external factors.
· Mental health
fluctuations: During hormone therapy, many people experience a "second
puberty" that can cause temporary mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
However, some studies indicate that treatment can mitigate long-term mental
health risks associated with untreated gender dysphoria.
· Long-term regret or
detransition: Some studies, particularly those using older or self-reported
data, suggest an elevated risk of suicide, self-harm, and PTSD after
gender-affirming surgery. However, these findings face methodological
criticism. A major concern is the high percentage of people lost to follow-up,
which can skew the results to show higher regret or negative outcomes than may
actually exist.
· Challenges and
discrimination: Transgender people often face societal stigma, discrimination,
harassment, and violence. These external factors are a primary contributor to
poorer mental health outcomes in the LGBTQIA+ population and can compound the
emotional challenges of transitioning.
· Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT)
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+are+the+ill+effects+from+receiving+gender+affirming+treatment
Comments
The angry reaction of Trans Supporters to their “lost cause” is motive for violence.
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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