Relationship between mental health and age of gender-affirming medical care

As discussed in the September issue of Contemporary OB/GYN, gender-affirming medical care is crucial for the wellbeing of transgender and nonbinary patients.

Many children and adolescents who are transgender or nonbinary may seek gender-affirming care at later ages. A new study in Pediatrics investigated whether there was a relationship between the age of presentation for gender-affirming medical care and mental health problems.

Related: Terminology for ob/gyns to use when treating transgender patients​

The researchers concluded that both late pubertal stage and older age are tied to worse mental health among adolescents who are gender incongruent and presenting for gender-affirming care. These results provide more data on how this group is vulnerable and in need of appropriate care.

For more information on this study and its findings, visit Contemporary Pediatrics.

Related: Resources for transgender care​