Gender Identity Milestones and Hormone Utilization in Transgender Men and Women in China
Authors' conclusion
In this cross-sectional study of Chinese TM and TW, gender identity development differed by gender, with TM recognizing incongruence earlier and TW progressing faster in initiating GAHT. Both groups showed strong demand for GAHT. Despite recent improvements in GAHT service accessibility, challenges persist in medical accessibility. These findings highlight the need for personalized support for transgender youths and underscore the importance of improving formal transgender health care services in China to enhance the well-being of this population.
Study context
- Population
- Transgender people in China, Chinese Transgender Health Survey, May–December 2021; median (IQR) age 21 (18–24) years
- Participants
- 4,296 people
- Exposure
- Transgender men vs transgender women
- Transgender men (TM)n = 1,462
- Transgender women (TW)n = 2,834reference
- Outcome
- Timing of gender identity development milestones (first perception of gender incongruence, confirmation, disclosure, initiating GAHT) and GAHT utilization status
Methodological detailsonline snowball sampling, Chinese Transgender Health Survey 2021
- Online snowball sampling
- Chinese Transgender Health Survey 2021
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Age at first perception of gender incongruence, median (IQR), TM vs TW
- 6 (4-10) years vs 9 (6-12) years
- Age at confirmation, median (IQR), TM vs TW
- 14 (11-16) years vs 15 (12-17) years
- Age at disclosure, median (IQR), TM vs TW
- 16 (14-19) years vs 17 (15-20) years
- Age at initiating gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), median (IQR), older in TM than TW
- 19 [17-22] years vs 18 [16-21] years
- Demand for GAHT
- 3759 participants [87.5%]
- GAHT usage
- 2247 participants [52.3%]
- Valid prescriptions among hormone users
- 339 participants [15.1%]
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Factors associated with GAHT-related behaviors and feedback (multivariable logistic regression)
- Being TW and without college education associated with starting GAHT before age 16 years
- Being TM, family disclosure of gender identity and official prescriptions associated with positive feedback on GAHT
Original publication
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