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A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found that transgender adults who get gender-affirming hormone therapy have a lower risk of depression. The study highlights the mental health benefits of these treatments. At the same time however, access to care is becoming more difficult because of new laws and restrictions.
What the Study Found
The study followed 3,592 transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse adults over four years. It found that those who got gender-affirming hormone therapy, such as estrogen or testosterone, had a 15% lower risk of experiencing moderate-to-severe depression compared to those who did not get the treatment. Dr. Sari Reisner, one of the study’s authors and a professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, emphasized that hormone therapy is “medically necessary” for many transgender people. The study’s results support the idea that these treatments help improve mental health by reducing distress and increasing well-being.
However, the study also acknowledges that there are other factors that influence depression risk. These are things like mental health treatment, social support, and general life experiences. The study did not track how long participants were on hormone therapy or whether they had other gender-affirming procedures, such as surgery.
The Importance of This Study
A number of studies have look at the rate of depression in transgender people in the United States. They regularly find that this population has higher rates of depression and anxiety. Mental health disparities in transgender communities continue to get worse, especially as access to gender-affirming care is more restricted. Dr. Alexes Hazen, a plastic surgeon specializing in gender-affirming procedures, noticed an increase in depression among her transgender patients in recent months. Many have talked about their concerns about new laws that restrict or ban gender-affirming care in certain states. These make it harder for them to access the medical treatment they need.
What Is Gender-Affirming Care?
Gender-affirming care is a range of medical, psychological, and social interventions. These help transgender people line up their physical and emotional well-being with their gender identity. Some common types of gender-affirming care include:
- Hormone therapy: These can be testosterone or estrogen that help develop characteristics that match a person’s gender identity.
- Surgical procedures: These are done to alter physical traits, though they are rarely done on minors.
- Counseling and mental health support
- Changes in social expression: These are tweaks like name and pronoun changes or wearing clothes that match one’s gender identity.
Many transgender people seek this care because they experience gender dysphoria. This is the distress that comes from a mismatch between their assigned sex at birth and their gender identity. According to the American Psychiatric Association, gender dysphoria can cause significant emotional distress and impact daily life.
Barriers to Accessing Care
In recent years, a number U.S. states have passed laws restricting gender-affirming treatments, particularly for minors. These laws have made it harder for transgender people to get necessary medical care, leaving many feeling hopeless. Some states have declared themselves "safe havens" for transgender individuals, meaning they offer protections for people seeking gender-affirming care. Community-based health centers that specialize in LGBTQ+ care can be a valuable resource for those struggling to find treatment. These clinics provide inclusive, supportive, and medically appropriate care for transgender people, especially in areas where access is limited.
Why Protecting Access to Care Matters
This study reinforces what many experts have long stated: gender-affirming care can be life-saving. Research has shown that transgender youth and adults who receive gender-affirming treatment experience lower rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide. As more states introduce laws restricting care, it is important to continue raising awareness about the benefits of gender-affirming treatment and ensuring that everyone has access to the healthcare they need.
