18. Continuation of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogue Use Among Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adolescents With Access to Low- or no-Cost Gender-Affirming Medical Care

Abstract

The Endocrine Society Guideline for Transgender Care and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care recommend the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) as a treatment option for adolescents with gender dysphoria who have not completed puberty. These medications attenuate sex hormone production and pause development of secondary sex characteristics. The effects of GnRHa are reversible, allowing adolescents time to explore their gender identity before determining if they would benefit from interventions with partially irreversible effects, such as gender-affirming hormones.