Title: Menstrual Suppression in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents: Efficacy and Satisfaction
Introduction:
In a recent cross-sectional study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Dehlia Moussaoui and colleagues examined the efficacy and satisfaction of menstrual suppression in transgender and gender diverse adolescents. The study found that almost all transgender adolescents who received menstrual suppression reported satisfaction and effectiveness. Additionally, a significant percentage of adolescents who were not currently receiving menstrual suppression expressed a strong interest in the treatment. This article provides an overview of the key findings and implications of the study.
Understanding Menstrual Suppression in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents:
-Menstrual suppression is commonly used in the general population to manage dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding.
-For transgender and gender diverse adolescents, menstrual suppression aims to reduce gender dysphoria associated with menstruation.
-Current international clinical guidelines recommend considering menstrual suppression in transgender and gender diverse adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
Study Methodology and Results:
-The study included 530 transgender and gender diverse adolescents who were assigned female at birth and attended a gender-specialized pediatric service.
-Demographic data, mental health information, and details regarding menstrual suppression were collected.
-92.8% of adolescents reported menstruation-related distress, and 24.7% were already under menstrual suppression at their first visit.
-The most common agents used for suppression were combined oral contraceptive pills, norethindrone, and intramuscular medroxyprogesterone.
-93.8% of adolescents reported high effectiveness, and 86.4% reported satisfaction with menstrual suppression.
-Of the adolescents not receiving menstrual suppression, 87.5% expressed a strong interest in starting treatment, citing reasons such as improving gender dysphoria, mood changes, dysmenorrhea, and bleeding.
-No significant differences were observed in the risks of gender dysphoria, depression, or anxiety between those receiving and not receiving menstrual suppression.
Implications and Recommendations:
-The study highlights the high efficacy and satisfaction rates of menstrual suppression in transgender and gender diverse adolescents.
-Primary care physicians are advised to routinely explore and manage menstrual health as part of their care and support for these adolescents.
-Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the effects of menstrual suppression on mental health in this population.
-Further research is crucial to provide more comprehensive guidance and ensure the well-being of transgender and gender diverse adolescents.
Additional Piece: Expanding Perspectives on Menstrual Suppression and Gender Diversity
Introduction:
Menstrual suppression in transgender and gender diverse adolescents is a complex and important topic that requires a deeper understanding. In addition to the key findings discussed in the previous section, this additional piece aims to delve deeper into the subject matter and provide unique insights and perspectives.
1. Empowering Gender Identity Expression:
-Menstruation can be a source of distress for transgender and gender diverse individuals since it may not align with their gender identity.
-Menstrual suppression can contribute to their overall well-being by allowing them to express their gender identity more authentically.
-By reducing gender dysphoria associated with menstruation, individuals can explore their gender expression without the burden of menstrual symptoms.
2. Mental Health Considerations:
-While the study did not find an association between menstrual suppression and mental health symptoms, it is important to acknowledge the potential impact on individuals’ mental well-being.
-Supporting transgender and gender diverse adolescents in navigating their menstrual health and providing comprehensive care can positively influence their mental health outcomes.
-Healthcare providers should consider the psychosocial aspects, such as body image and self-acceptance, when discussing menstrual suppression options.
3. Inclusive Approach to Menstrual Health:
-Menstrual health should be approached inclusively, recognizing that not all individuals who menstruate identify as women and not all women menstruate.
-Healthcare providers should adopt a language and framework that respects and acknowledges the diverse experiences and identities of their patients.
-Open communication, education, and access to inclusive menstrual health resources can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their menstrual health.
4. Comprehensive Care and Support:
-Menstrual suppression is just one aspect of the overall care and support needed by transgender and gender diverse adolescents.
-Healthcare providers should have a comprehensive approach that addresses their physical, mental, and social well-being.
-Including discussions about menstrual health as part of routine care can create a safe and supportive environment for these individuals.
Conclusion:
The study discussed in this article sheds light on the positive experiences and outcomes of menstrual suppression in transgender and gender diverse adolescents. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to consider these options and provide comprehensive care and support. However, further research is necessary to fully understand the effects of menstrual suppression on mental health and well-being. By adopting an inclusive and compassionate approach, healthcare providers can contribute to a more affirming experience for transgender and gender diverse individuals seeking menstrual health management.
Summary:
A study investigating the efficacy and satisfaction of menstrual suppression in transgender and gender diverse adolescents found high rates of effectiveness and satisfaction among those receiving treatment. The study emphasized the importance of considering menstrual suppression as a means to reduce gender dysphoria associated with menstruation. Additionally, a significant percentage of adolescents not receiving menstrual suppression expressed interest in starting treatment. The study recommends that primary care physicians routinely explore and manage menstrual health for transgender and gender diverse adolescents. While the study did not find an association between menstrual suppression and mental health symptoms, further research is needed to better understand the effects of menstrual suppression on mental health. Adopting an inclusive and comprehensive approach to menstrual health can support the overall well-being and gender identity expression of transgender and gender diverse individuals.
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September 18, 2023
2 minutes of reading
Source/Disclosures
Disclosures: Moussaoui does not report any relevant financial disclosures. He consults the study for relevant financial disclosures from all other authors.
Key takeaways:
- Almost all transgender adolescents who received menstrual suppression reported satisfaction and effectiveness.
- Of those not currently receiving menstrual suppression, 87.5% had a strong interest in treatment.
Transgender and gender diverse adolescents reported high efficacy and satisfaction of menstrual suppression, according to a cross-sectional study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
“In the general population, menstrual suppression is typically used for dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding. Although menstrual suppression can be used in transgender and gender diverse adolescents for the same reasons, it is commonly used with the goal of reducing gender dysphoria associated with menstruation.” Dr. Dehlia Moussaoui, from the department of pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics at the University Hospitals of Geneva, and colleagues. “In line with this, current international clinical guidelines recommend considering menstrual suppression in transgender and gender diverse adolescents who are experiencing gender dysphoria whose menstruation is not already suppressed.”
Moussaoui and colleagues evaluated 530 transgender and gender diverse adolescents who were assigned female at birth and attended their first appointment at a gender-specialized pediatric service from February 2017 to December 2021. The researchers obtained demographic data and mental health through a questionnaire carried out during the first visit. and obtained information on menstrual suppression from medical records.
Overall, 92.8% of adolescents reported menstruation-related distress and 24.7% were under menstrual suppression at their first visit. The most common agent used was combined oral contraceptive pills (46.6%), followed by norethindrone (29.8%) and intramuscular medroxyprogesterone (14.5%).
The researchers observed high rates of effectiveness (93.8%) and patient satisfaction (86.4%) with menstrual suppression. Of the 399 adolescents who were not receiving menstrual suppression treatment, 87.5% had a strong interest in starting treatment. The most common reasons for interest in initiating menstrual suppression were improving gender dysphoria (61.4%), followed by improving mood changes related to menstruation (16.2%), improving dysmenorrhea (15.2% ) and improve bleeding (6.9%).
The researchers observed no differences in the risks of gender dysphoria, depression or anxiety between adolescents who received menstrual suppression and those who did not.
“Our study did not show any association between the use of menstrual suppression and symptoms of gender dysphoria, depression or anxiety, but it did show prospective longitudinal studies to better understand the effects of menstrual suppression in mental health “Further studies are needed to adequately address this question,” the researchers wrote. “In the meantime, we recommend that primary care physicians routinely explore and manage menstrual health as part of their care and support for transgender and gender diverse adolescents.”
https://www.healio.com/news/womens-health-ob-gyn/20230914/menstrual-suppression-effective-wellliked-by-transgender-genderdiverse-adolescents
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