Medical Options for Care of Gender Diverse and Transgender Youth

Social Support Related to Menses in Gender Diverse Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Menses in transgender or gender diverse people can cause dysphoria, which has been linked to various comorbid conditions including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Although social support is thought to be beneficial for adolescents in general, little is known about its effects on gender diverse adolescents (GDAs) receiving care. Thus, this study sought to document the effects of social support on the menses management experiences for GDAs and highlight how such support influences their access to and satisfaction with gender-affirming care.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from a tertiary care children's hospital to participate in semi-structured phone interviews. Eligibility included adolescents who were 12-20 years of age and had undergone menarche. Interviewers asked respondents about the impact of menses on their mental health, relationships, daily activities, and experiences with menses management and suppression.

RESULTS

A total of 36 individuals participated, mean age of 16.82 (SD 2.02) years. Six major themes were identified related to social support: Types of Support, Support Persons within the Social Network, School Environment, Medical Providers as a Social Support, Resources, and Advice for Others.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the vital role of social support as GDAs navigate gender-affirming care and menses management. The exploration of various sources of support-such as family, peers, and healthcare providers-emphasizes the importance of safe, affirming environments for GDAs. Clinicians as perceived support have a unique opportunity to foster shared decision-making and health advocacy by using preferred pronouns, recognizing dysphoria triggers, and considering GDAs' perspectives when developing care plans.

Medical and Surgical Reproductive Care of Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients

Transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) patients may seek out gynecologic care for a variety of reasons. It is important for gynecologic providers to possess a comprehensive understanding and comfort level in caring for TGNB adolescents and young adults. This piece discusses the gynecologic care of TGNB adolescents and young adults. It reviews disparities faced by TGNB adolescents, social, medical, and surgical affirmation approaches to gender affirming care, and gynecologic health considerations including fertility, menstrual suppression, breakthrough bleeding and vulvovaginal atrophy on testosterone, hysterectomy and oophorectomy approaches, as well as pelvic health care following gender-affirming penile inversion vulvovaginoplasty.

[Transmasculine people: Gender affirming hormonal therapy, sexual and reproductive health prevention and care, a medical review and follow-up suggestions]

Transmasculine individuals have a poor access to health care, mostly regarding the sexual and reproductive health. Despite a lack of official guidelines, they need a gynecological follow-up, the aim of this review was to describe it. The present study involved an exhaustive search of MEDLINE, 68 articles were included to analyze the impact of hormonal therapy, prevention, and care regarding sexual and reproductive health of transmasculine individuals. Despite a lack of solid data, the global literature agrees that transmasculine individuals require sexual and reproductive health care. Care must be adapted to each pathway and may be impacted by gender-affirming care. The cancer risk does not seem to be increased in this population, particularly in relation to hormonal therapy. Prevention programs do not differ from those offered to cis women in the absence of gender-affirming surgeries. Transmasculine individuals require follow-up and care adapted to their needs and their pathways. Healthcare professionals must be trained to provide such care.

Eating Disorders in Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To consolidate recent literature addressing eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors among sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adolescents.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sexual and gender minority adolescents are at heightened vulnerability to eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers, potentially due to minority stress, gender norms, objectification, and the influence of the media, peers, and parents. We report findings from recent literature on the epidemiology and prevalence, assessment, mental health comorbidity, quality of life and psychosocial functioning, risk and protective factors, and treatment and interventions for eating disorders in sexual and gender minority adolescents. Addressing eating disorders in sexual and gender minority adolescents requires an integrated approach consisting of screening, tailored treatment, and comprehensive support to address intersectional challenges. Gender-affirming and trauma-informed care approaches may be considered.

A guide to caring for patients who identify as transgender and gender diverse in the emergency department

Through a review of current research, standards of care, and best practices, this paper serves as a resource for emergency physicians (EPs) caring for persons who identify as transgender and gender diverse (T/GD) in the emergency department (ED). Both patient- and physician-based research have identified existent potential knowledge gaps for EPs caring for T/GD in the ED. T/GD have negative experiences related to their gender identity when seeking emergency medical care and may even delay emergency care for fear of discrimination. Through the lens of cultural humility, this paper aims to address potential knowledge gaps for EPs, identify and reduce barriers to care, highlight gender-affirming hospital policies and protocols, and improve the care and experience of T/GD in the ED.

Debunking Myths of Gender Informed Care: What Every Pediatric Surgeon Should Know

As the transgender population in the United States grows, gender-affirming care is becoming increasingly relevant to the practice of pediatric surgery. Medical care for the transgender and gender diverse population is a politically charged topic with significant complexity and opportunities for clarification. It is important for providers to better understand this population's unique health and social needs. This review aims to debunk long-standing myths regarding gender-affirming care and highlight the current therapeutic and legislative landscapes within the scope of pediatric surgical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Menstrual Suppression in Adolescent and Young Adult Transgender Males

OBJECTIVE

To describe time to cessation of menses in adolescent and young adult transgender males with testosterone and/or other hormonal therapies DESIGN: Retrospective chart review SETTING: Tertiary children's hospital PARTICIPANTS: Patients, aged 10-24, who began gender-affirming hormonal therapy between January 2013 and January 2019 (n = 220) INTERVENTION(S): None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Time to cessation of menses RESULTS: Most patients identified as transgender male or transmasculine (211/220, 95.9%), with an average age of 15.8 (±1.9) years. Approximately 53.6% (118/220) of patients reported regular menstrual cycles; 18.2% (40/220) reported irregular cycles. Median time to cessation of menses for all patients was 182 days. Patients treated with testosterone alone (n = 105) reported a median time to cessation of menses of 151 days. Patients who concurrently began testosterone and norethindrone acetate (NETA) (n = 5) had a median time to cessation of menses of 188 days, compared with 168 days for those on testosterone and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA, n = 15). In 15 patients who began testosterone, a progestin therapy was later added to induce menstrual suppression, and the median time to cessation of menses was 168 days (+DMPA, n = 4) or 56 days (+NETA, n = 11). Patients treated with NETA (n = 14) or depot leuprolide (n = 11) reported a median time to cessation of menses of 78 days or 77 days, respectively. Considerable variability in prescribing patterns was noted in the remaining 36.4% of patients (n = 80).

CONCLUSION

Patients used a variety of different hormonal regimens for menstrual suppression. Less than half achieved cessation of menses within 6 months. NETA and depot leuprolide users reported the most rapid cessation of menses.

Experiences of parents of trans young people accessing Australian health services for their child: Findings from Trans Pathways

Background

Many trans young people seek mental health support and gender-affirming medical interventions including puberty suppression, gender-affirming hormones and/or surgeries. Trans young people and their parents face multiple barriers in accessing gender-affirming care and mental health support, however little is known about the parent perspective on accessing services for their trans child.

Aims

This study aimed to understand the experiences of parents accessing medical and mental health services with and for their trans children within Australia.

Methods

Using data from Trans Pathways, a large mixed-methods cross-sectional study, we examined the experiences of parents (N = 194) in Australia accessing primary care, psychiatry, therapy/counseling, mental health inpatient, and gender-affirming medical services with/for their trans children (aged 25 years or younger). Qualitative data on service experiences were thematically analyzed. Quantitative analyses included frequency of access to services, wait times, service satisfaction, and mental health diagnoses of the parents' trans child.

Results

Services were mostly first accessed when the young person was between 12 and 17 years of age, with primary care physicians being the most accessed service. Parents reported that some practitioners were respectful and knowledgeable about gender-affirming care, and others lacked experience in trans health. Across all services, common barriers included long wait times, complicated pathways to navigate to access support, as well as systemic barriers such as sparsity of gender speciality services. Across services, parents reported feeling as though they do not have the necessary tools to best support their child in their gender affirmation.

Discussion

This study highlights the crucial need for systemic changes in the processes of accessing gender-affirming care and mental health support to enable access to appropriate and timely care. These findings also indicate the importance of improving individual practitioner knowledge around trans health, to enhance the support provided to trans young people and their parents.

Management of Menstruation in Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Adolescents

A growing number of adolescents in the United States identify as transgender and gender nonbinary, and many will seek medical management of menstruation. In this evidence-based review, we recommend a model of gender-affirming care grounded in the tenants of reproductive justice, emphasizing patient autonomy and the development of holistic management plans centered around the patient's unique goals for affirming their gender identity. We then review strategies for achieving menstruation suppression for transgender and gender nonbinary adolescents, including dosing considerations, menstruation, ovulation, contraceptive effects, and metabolic considerations specific to the adolescent population.

Menstrual considerations for transgender male and gender diverse adolescents who were assigned female at birth

Menstruation is a female normative process. Physiologically, it indicates that the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis is functioning appropriately, and all the correct female end-organs are intact. Menarche also heralds a girl's arrival into womanhood, which culturally is often celebrated. It is a sign of the possibility of fertility, pregnancy and motherhood. However, menstruation for transgender males, and other gender diverse individuals assigned female at birth, may be anything but celebratory. For these adolescents, menstruation is an indication that one's body is not functioning appropriately and that one does not have the correct organs congruent to their gender identity. Menstruation or the anticipation of menarche for many transgender males is often met with worsening of dysphoria, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Therefore, to meet the physiologic and psychologic needs of transgender males, one needs to be aware of issues that may be present in relation to menstruation and be knowledgeable on how to medically proceed with sensitivity and respect toward one's gender identity. Research on menstruation, both from a physical and psychologic perspective, has been historically based on women and cannot be simply extrapolated to be the same for transgender males. Although there is a paucity of literature on the subject, over the past decade there has begun to be a great interest in the care of transgender individuals. This article focuses on concerns related to menstruation among transgender adolescent males and gender diverse individuals assigned female at birth, including suppression of menses, fertility, contraception, and pregnancy.

Weight Status, Medication Use, and Recreational Activities of Treatment-Naïve Transgender Youth

Background: Studies of transgender/gender diverse (TGD) youth indicate a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and concern for unhealthy weight management behavior. This study describes the association of weight status with medication use and recreational activities among treatment-naïve, pediatric TGD patients. Methods: This study is a chart review of 277 patients [aged 9-18 years, 79.1% female sex assigned at birth (SAB), and 86.3% white] seen at a medical center from 2017 to 2020. BMI was calculated by age and SAB using CDC growth charts. BMI percentile (BMI%) and BMI z-score (BMIz) were used to define weight status. Results: By BMI% category, 3.6% patients were in the underweight range (BMI <5%); 50.5% had BMI >85%; and 30.3% had BMI >95%. Overweight and obesity rates were higher than national norms (χ2 = 15.152, p < 0.01). Female SAB participants had higher BMIz values than male SAB participants. Youth who reported watching/listening to media (t = 3.50, p < 0.01) and parent-reported creative arts involvement (t = 1.97, p = 0.05) were associated with higher BMIz values. Conversely, spending time with friends and family was associated with a lower BMIz. Over half of the patients were prescribed medications, and those patients taking medications had higher BMIz values than those not taking medications (t = -1.96, p < 0.05). Female SAB, involvement in sedentary recreational activities, and taking medications to treat gastrointestinal conditions were associated with elevated BMIz. Conclusions: Overweight/obesity is a common problem among TGD youth. TGD youth should be considered a high-risk group and targeted in obesity prevention and treatment efforts. Interventions to decrease sedentary activities and improve connections with friends and family are promising strategies to address overweight and obesity among TGD youth.

Are healthcare providers and young people talking about sexuality? A scoping review to characterize conversations and identify barriers

BACKGROUND

Conversations about sexuality with healthcare providers (HCPs) are critical to youth's positive development, including youth with disabilities or chronic conditions. Yet, little is known about the characteristics of sexuality conversations with youth in healthcare settings. This scoping review examined the nature and extent of sexuality conversations between HCPs and youth (with and without a disability or chronic condition) and aimed to identify barriers to these conversations.

METHODS

Scoping review methodology using rapid review principles was employed.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

studies published between 2009 and 2019; examined conversations between HCPs and youth aged 21 and below; addressed sexuality; and took place in a healthcare setting. Study characteristics were described and clustered into thematic groups.

RESULTS

Of the 5543 identified, 32 articles were included. Articles addressed (i) the content of sexuality conversations, (ii) prevalence of sexuality conversations and (iii) barriers to discussing sexuality. The content of sexuality discussions was largely biologically focused. The prevalence of sexuality discussions varied, with some discrepancy between youth-reported and HCP-reported rates. Seven barriers (three personal and four systemic) were identified. Youth with disabilities or chronic conditions were vastly under-represented in the published literature.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted that sexuality is an underexplored topic between HCPs and young people, especially young people with disabilities and/or chronic conditions. Given the importance of sexuality to young people's mental and physical health, research addressing barriers to these discussions and development of evidence-informed resources to support HCPs and youth to engage in conversations about sexuality should be a priority.

New horizons in trans and non-binary health care: Bridging identity affirmation with chronicity management in sexual and reproductive services

BACKGROUND

Transgender and non-binary people experience erasure, stigma, and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health care. Previous research shows worse sexual and reproductive health outcomes and higher rates of chronicity for trans and non-binary populations as compared to cisgender populations. Historically such outcomes have been framed as separate issues.

AIMS

To describe methodological approaches for exploring gaps in the sexual and reproductive health care of transgender and non-binary people, and explore intersections between chronic disease management and gender-affirming care.

METHODS

We critically reviewed methods for studying sexual and reproductive care and chronic condition management among trans and non-binary populations. We focus on two themes: unmet needs and response strategies.

RESULTS

We summarize findings and opportunities in existing research about service needs in trans and non-binary care. Key barriers to effective sexual and reproductive care for trans and non-binary people include persistent medical myths about trans people and bodies, siloization of different domains of health and associated services, lack of research on how chronic disease treatments interact with transition related care, and lack of active communication between providers and patients about individual care needs and goals.

DISCUSSION

We recommend methodologically diverse research with trans and non-binary populations capturing: (1) erasure, stigma, and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health care settings; (2) individual, interpersonal, and structural factors catalyzing chronicity; and (3) the impact of sexual and reproductive health disparities on chronic disease outcomes.

Beyond the Binary: Sexual and Reproductive Health Considerations for Transgender and Gender Expansive Adolescents

Awareness and visibility of transgender individuals have grown exponentially. However, conceptualizing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as “women's” or “men's” health services further marginalizes transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) youth. Multiple reviews and commentaries have been published on the topic of SRH care for adults under the umbrella term of sexual and gender minorities, all with a call to action for more inclusive care and the need for more clinical research involving TGE individuals, and notably, TGE youth. Results from adult TGE studies are often translated to describe adolescent models. However, models specific to adolescent TGE populations are needed to understand their unique SRH needs. This review will describe the current literature relating to SRH needs of TGE youth and adults, highlighting key areas with significant disparities in need of further research. This comprehensive summary will also provide recommendations for clinicians and researchers with the goal of improving SRH care and obtaining wider representation in both clinical settings and research directed toward TGE youth.

Adolescent gynaecology: anaesthetic and peri-operative care implications

Adolescents represent a quarter of the world's population, yet their specific healthcare needs have often not been acknowledged. Whilst many operations in this population will be performed in specialist tertiary centres and children's hospitals, it is likely that care will be sought in a variety of healthcare settings, and so it is important to have an understanding of the particular approach to this age group. Paediatric and adolescent gynaecology emerged as a speciality in 2000 with the inauguration of the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, a specialist society of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This is a multidisciplinary group, comprising paediatricians, paediatric surgeons, psychologists and nurses, although the majority of the members are gynaecologists. In this review, we will describe the peri-operative implications of adolescent gynaecological surgery and the considerations that need to be applied to this specific age group, such as consent, the operative setting and key personnel. We will also discuss specialist situations which are likely to fall to an adolescent gynaecology setting, such as management of those with Mullerian abnormalities, which often present with pelvic pain in adolescence. We discuss those with a history of ritual female genital cutting (female genital mutilation), trans men and those with significant learning difficulties. In all circumstances, teamwork, reflection and pragmatism are key.

Contraception across transgender

Sexual and reproductive issues are essential elements of well-being in cisgenders as well as for the transgender population. Gender-affirming hormonal treatments (GAHTs) aim to induce phenotypical changes congruent with the desired gender and subsequent reduction of gender dysphoria. While genital surgical procedures including hysterectomy and/or adenectomy cause permanent loss of ability to conceive, GAHT may induce a varying degree of reversible loss of fertility. For these reasons, transgender men and women need to be counseled concerning contraceptive options and potential effects of treatment on reproductive function before initiating GAHT. The literature reports that sexual activity with genital involvement is performed by less than half of transgender persons who have been sexually active with a partner in the past. Testosterone (T) is the most commonly used compound in transmen and usually leads to amenorrhea within 1-12 months from first administration, however cessation of menses does not mean anovulation. Some studies report cases of unintended pregnancies among transgender men under masculinizing therapy, therefore T treatment cannot be considered a contraceptive option. Currently available contraceptive options have pros and cons in transmen and scarce literature exists on their use. The effects of GAHT on fertility in transwomen are even less well known. Prolonged estrogen exposure induces sperm suppression and morphological changes of the spermatozoa, however the degree of resulting pregnancy protection is unclear. Further research to inform the contraceptive counseling in this population is mandatory.

Fertility Desires of Adolescent Females: Decreased Desire for Children in Those Identifying as Transgender/Gender Diverse and in Depressed Adolescents

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe fertility desires in healthy adolescent females and to explore associations of fertility desire with conditions and therapies potentially compromising fertility.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional, anonymous survey.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 323 female adolescents aged 13-19 years were recruited from clinic waiting areas at a children's hospital. We oversampled on days when clinics serving adolescents with potential fertility compromise were scheduled.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We measured fertility desire by agreement with the statement "I want to have children someday." To measure compromised fertility we asked "In the past year, has a doctor, nurse or other medical professional ever talked to you about the possibility that you may have decreased fertility and may not be able to have your own biological child someday?" To measure depression severity, we used a validated scale, the PHQ-9, scores were dichotomized into no/mild and moderate/severe depression.

RESULTS

Mean age was 16.06 ± 1.87 years. Of the 323 participants, 57% identified as Hispanic, 24% as Black, 93.5% as cisgender, 6.5% as transgender/gender diverse, 70% as heterosexual, and 30% as sexual minority. A total of 35% had moderate/severe depression, and 12% had compromised fertility. Overall, 89% wanted children. Fewer transgender/gender diverse than cisgender participants wanted children (67% vs 93%, P < .001), as did fewer with moderate/severe versus no/mild depression (83% vs 93%, P < .05), whereas those with compromised fertility versus those without and heterosexual versus sexual minority participants had similar fertility desires. Transgender/gender diverse identity (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.97; P < .05) and moderate/severe depression (odds ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.93; P < .05) were independently associated with lower fertility desire.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high overall proportion of female adolescents desiring future children, and only 2 independent predictors of decreased fertility desire, namely, transgender/gender diverse identity and moderate/severe depression.

Adolescents and long-acting reversible contraceptives: beyond the basics

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current article explores some of the more complex subtopics concerning adolescents and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC).

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research has highlighted ways in which LARC provision can be optimized in adolescents and has identified gaps in adolescent LARC access and utilization.

SUMMARY

Contraceptive counseling for adolescents should be patient-centered, not necessarily LARC-first, to avoid coercion. There are increasing applications for the noncontraceptive benefits of LARC for several unique patient populations and medical conditions.

Contraceptive Beliefs, Needs, and Care Experiences Among Transgender and Nonbinary Young Adults

PURPOSE

This qualitative study explores the contraceptive health-care needs of transgender and nonbinary young adults assigned female sex at birth.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 transgender and nonbinary young adults assigned female sex at birth (ages 22-29 years), recruited via online platforms and community agencies. Semistructured interviews elicited information on participants' gender and reproductive histories, health-care experiences, sexual practices, and contraceptive use and decision-making processes. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Primary thematic domains centered on contraceptive experiences and needs, testosterone as contraception, and experiences with reproductive health care. Participants generally did not use hormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy; in situations where pregnancy was possible, participants relied on condoms. Some participants believed testosterone use would prevent pregnancy and subsequently did not use a contraceptive method. Participants described the lack of knowledge, among themselves and providers, of the impacts of testosterone on pregnancy risk and interactions with hormonal contraception. They described reproductive health-care experiences in which providers were unfamiliar with the needs of transgender and nonbinary patients; made assumptions about bodies, partners, and identities; and lacked adequate knowledge to provide effective contraceptive care.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-centered reproductive care requires that providers be sensitive to the stress of gender-affirming care and engage with contraceptive counseling that addresses patients' behavior, risks, and reproductive functions. In particular, providers should understand and communicate the impacts of testosterone therapy on pregnancy risk.