PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) plays a significant role in the medical care of transgender individuals, helping to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. While numerous studies have investigated the impact of GAHT on adults, research focusing on its effects on the quality of life (QoL) of transgender youth is limited. In this opinion paper, we aim to address selected challenges associated with gender-affirming medical care, such as (1) the necessity for evidence-based youth gender-affirming medical care, (2) the urge to explore different approaches to gender-affirming medical care diversely in transgender youth research, and (3) understanding the challenges of the detransition process (which refers to stopping or reversing gender-affirming medical or surgical treatments), as well as suggest possible solutions for meaningful progress. Notably, the available evidence underlines a positive impact of GAHT on various aspects of QoL of transgender youth, such as mental health and social functioning, by alleviating gender dysphoria, improving body satisfaction, and facilitating appearance congruence (the degree to which an individual\'s physical appearance represents their gender identity). However, challenges related to methodological limitations, as well as ethical considerations, and several sociocultural factors highlight the need for further research to better understand the long-term effects of GAHT on the QoL of transgender youth. Ethical considerations, such as ensuring informed consent and weighing potential benefits against risks, are pivotal in guiding healthcare decisions. Additionally, navigating these ethical responsibilities amid sociocultural contexts is crucial for providing inclusive and respectful care to transgender youth. Addressing these research gaps is, therefore, crucial to developing successful healthcare programmes, raising awareness, and promoting the holistic well-being of transgender youth through comprehensive and affirming care.
摘要：
性别确认激素疗法（GAHT）在跨性别者的医疗护理中起着重要作用，帮助他们的身体特征与性别认同保持一致。虽然许多研究调查了GAHT对成年人的影响，关注其对跨性别青年生活质量(QoL)影响的研究有限。在这份意见文件中，我们的目标是解决与性别确认医疗相关的选定挑战，如(1)基于证据的青年性别确认医疗的必要性，（2）敦促在跨性别青年研究中探索不同的性别确认医疗方法，（3）了解退位过程的挑战（指停止或逆转性别确认的医疗或手术治疗），以及为有意义的进展提出可能的解决方案。值得注意的是,现有证据强调了GAHT对跨性别青年QoL各个方面的积极影响，比如心理健康和社会功能，通过缓解性别焦虑，提高身体满意度，和促进外观一致性（个人的外表代表其性别认同的程度）。然而,与方法限制有关的挑战，以及道德考虑，和一些社会文化因素强调需要进一步研究，以更好地了解GAHT对跨性别青年QoL的长期影响。伦理考虑,例如确保知情同意和权衡潜在利益与风险，在指导医疗保健决策方面至关重要。此外,在社会文化背景下引导这些道德责任对于为跨性别青年提供包容和尊重的照顾至关重要。解决这些研究空白的是，因此,对于开发成功的医疗保健计划至关重要，提高认识,并通过全面和肯定的护理促进跨性别青年的整体福祉。
