Treatment of Youth
To say treatment of young transsexuals (under the age of 18) is complex
would be understatement .
Even throughout the world there is great debate over the medical treatment of
these individuals.
To begin, consent can be an issue given the individual is a minor. There
are the issues of puberty
which can be devastating to a transwoman who is beginning the irreversible
changes of facial hair , changes in
stature and bond structure, as well as deepening of the voice. In
the young FTM the onset of menses and
breast development can also be a terrifying and depressing affair. The
incidence of suicidal thought and
depression is very high particularly if there is not good family support.
The level of understanding of
Gender Dysphoria is very primitive even in adults in our society and the legal
protections are few.
Parents may struggle with a lack of information and guilt over their gender
variant child who does not
conform the expected norm for their overt sex. I have treated a few of these
patients with the help
of some highly motivated professionals in Portland. Unfortunately we do
not have a Gender Disorder Clinic
for adults let alone adolescents.
I have tried to place some resources below that I have found helpful.
I do not think there is one supreme
authority in the world. But I believe in time consensus will occur. One
peculiar problem in Oregon is
that the legislature mandated mental health be treated in a par with physical
illness. However, some
insurance companies specifically proscribe treatment for this condition.
In time I hope to add to this section.
The stages of puberty are described Stages of Puberty
Tran youth Family Advocates is a powerful voice TransYouth Family Advocates
I recently met with Jenn Burleton who is one of the people that works
with TransYouth Family Advocates at jennortyfa@yahoo.com.
TYFA is an independent, non-profit organization that works with transgender,
gender variant/questioning/fluid children, youth and their families.
Her contact information locally in Portland is:
Jenn Burleton
TransYouth Family Advocates
1631 NE Broadway
Suite 355-T
Portland, OR 97008
jennortyfa@yahoo.com
You can also reach one of the national representatives of the
organization at their website, via email or through their toll-free number:
www.imatyfa.org
tyfainfo@yahoo.com
1-888-IMA-TYFA (462-8932)
The Gires Foundation has a wonderful section of treatment in various
countries in Europe
which is a thoughtful discussion of the options
Treatment of Young Transsexuals
Fertility in young transsexuals is also an issue as early intervention in
pubertal Human Beings
might affect fertility. A very complete article is
Present and future reproductive options for transsexual people -- De Sutter 16
(4) 612 -- Human Reproduction.htm
I was deeply touched by the reception at PFLAG March 13, 2007.
I have included that presentation here
Hormones-PFLAG
03132007
PFLAG meets at