Gender-Affirming Hormone Use in Transgender Individuals: Impact on Behavioral Health and Cognition

Overview

Journal Curr Psychiatry Rep

Publisher Current Science

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2018 Oct 12

PMID 30306351

Citations 62

Authors

Hillary B Nguyen

Alexis M Chavez

Emily Lipner

Liisa Hantsoo

Sara L Kornfield

Robert D Davies

C Neill Epperson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose Of Review: With increasing numbers of transgender and gender non-binary individuals presenting for care, knowing how to elucidate the mental health and cognitive outcomes of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is necessary. This article reviews the present literature covering GAHT effects on mood, behavioral health, and cognition in these individuals and offers research priorities to address knowledge gaps.

Recent Findings: Although there are some conflicting data, GAHT overwhelmingly seems to have positive psychological effects in both adolescents and adults. Research tends to support that GAHT reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, lowers perceived and social distress, and improves quality of life and self-esteem in both male-to-female and female-to-male transgender individuals. Clinically, prescribing GAHT can help with gender dysphoria-related mental distress. Thus, timely hormonal intervention represents a crucial tool for improving behavioral wellness in transgender individuals, though effects on cognitive processes fundamental for daily living are unknown. Future research should prioritize better understanding of how GAHT may affect executive functioning.

Citing Articles

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