An appraisal of current service delivery and future models of care for young people with gender dysphoria

The clinical needs of young people with gender dysphoria (GD) have outpaced the capacity of health services to provide appropriate care. The study aimed to explore the interface of Paediatric Endocrinology and young people with GD, detailing the clinical characteristics and the clinical care provided, in order to inform future service development. Medical records of all young people with GD (n=91, 59 (65%) birth-assigned females and 32 (35%) birth-assigned males) referred to Paediatric Endocrinology during 2011-2019 for puberty suppression were reviewed. Median age at initial assessment was 14.6 years (range 8.8-17.6 years). There was a threefold increase from 2016 (n=22) to 2019 (n=73). Mental health disorders were present in 34 (37%) and autistic spectrum disorder in 21 (23%), while 54 (59%) had at least one comorbidity. Sixty-four (70%) young people fulfilled the criteria for consideration of fertility preservation, with 6 (9%) of them preserving their gametes. Seventy-nine (87%) young people commenced treatment with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue, at a median age of 14.8 years (range 9.7-18.0 years). Six (8%) of those discontinued treatment, following a median duration of 6 months (range 6-18 months). Forty-one young people commenced gender-affirming hormones. One (2%) of those who started gender-affirming hormones discontinued treatment. Conclusions: We have witnessed increasing numbers of young people with GD attending Paediatric Endocrinology, with an over-representation of comorbidities, necessitating provision of an individualised approach to treatment. Addressing young people's acceptability of fertility services and ongoing close collaboration between endocrinology and mental health professionals require innovative models of multidisciplinary care. What is Known: A worldwide increase in presentation of gender dysphoria has been mirrored in our service, with majority assigned female at birth and post-pubertal. An over-representation of comorbidities exists, notably mental health disorders and autistic spectrum disorder. What is New: Coordination of interprofessional care to meet complex needs, at an individual level, while improving efficiency of working, at a systemic level, can be met by the development of specialist centres. The reasons for low uptake of fertility services demand further exploration.

Automated summary

The study found that the clinical needs of young people with gender dysphoria have exceeded the capacity of health services to provide appropriate care, with an increasing number of patients attending Pediatric Endocrinology. Most patients were assigned female at birth and had comorbidities such as mental health disorders and autistic spectrum disorder. The majority required fertility preservation and gender-affirming treatment, highlighting the need for individualized care and close collaboration between endocrinology and mental health professionals.