Experiences with Menses in Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Adolescents

Abstract

Study ObjectiveTo describe menstrual history, associated dysphoria, and desire for menstrual management in transgender male and gender diverse adolescents who were assigned female at birth DesignRetrospective chart review SettingTertiary care children's hospital ParticipantsAll patients seen in a multidisciplinary pediatric gender program from March 2015 through December 2020 who were assigned female at birth, identified as transgender male or gender nonbinary, and had achieved menarche InterventionNone Main Outcome MeasuresPatient demographics, menstrual history, interest in and prior experiences with menstrual management, parental support, and concerns about menstrual management ResultsOf the 129 included patients, 116 (90%) identified as transgender male and 13 (10%) as gender nonbinary, with an average age of 15 (SD 1.6) years. Almost all (93%) patients reported menstrual-related dysphoria. Most (88%) were interested in menstrual suppression. The most common reasons for desiring suppression were achievement of amenorrhea (97%) and improvement of menstrual-related dysphoria (63%). ConclusionsMost gender diverse patients assigned female at birth reported dysphoria associated with menses and desired menstrual suppression. This information can encourage physicians to raise this topic and offer menstrual management for gender diverse patients who experience distress related to menses, especially for those who are not ready for or do not desire gender-affirming hormonal treatment. Future research is needed to better understand patients’ experiences with menses and to determine the optimal menstrual management methods. This could be an important intervention to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.