Back to the Future: Is Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Analog (GnRHa) Treatment in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents Only an Extended Evaluation Phase?
Authors' conclusion
Psychological improvement in TGDA on GnRHa seems to be related to the objective body changes induced by a GnRHa. Therefore, the rationale for treatment with a GnRHa may not only be considered an extension of the evaluation phase, but also the start of a medical (even if reversible) gender-affirming path, especially in TGDAs whose puberty has already progressed.
Study context
- Population
- Transgender and gender diverse adolescents (TGDAs) referred to the Florence Gender Clinic, receiving psychological assessment followed by triptorelin (GnRHa); 22 assigned female at birth, 14 assigned male at birth
- Participants
- 36 participants
- Outcome
- Hormone, physical and psychological functioning changes during GnRHa treatment, and their relationship with psychological well-being
- Follow-up
- T0 first referral, T1 psychological assessment, T2 triptorelin for 3 up to 12 months
Methodological detailsmultidisciplinary
- Multidisciplinary
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Hormone, physical and psychological changes during GnRHa
- GnRHa showed efficacy in inhibiting puberty progression
- Increase in psychopathology before starting GnRHa (T1) vs baseline
- During GnRHa (T2), significant improvement in psychological functioning and decrease in suicidality, body uneasiness, depression and anxiety
- Hormone and physical changes (gonadotropins, sex steroids, height and BMI percentiles, waist-hip ratio, acne severity) during triptorelin significantly correlated with reduction in suicidal ideation, anxiety and body image concerns
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Back to the Future: Is GnRHa Treatment in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents Only an Extended Evaluation Phase? J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published 14 December 2023. doi:10.
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