G Giovanardi1,2, P Morales3, M Mirabella3, A Fortunato3, L Chianura4, A M Speranza3, V Lingiardi3. 1. Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy. guido.giovanardi@uniroma1.it. 2. Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy. guido.giovanardi@uniroma1.it. 3. Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy. 4. San Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: In recent years, an increasing number of specialized gender clinics have been prescribing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs to adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) to suppress puberty. This paper presents qualitative research on the hormone therapy (HT) experiences of older trans-people and their views on puberty suppression. The main aim of this research was to explore the psychological aspects of hormonal treatments for gender non-conforming adults, including the controversial use of puberty suppression treatments. METHODS: Using a semi-structured interview format, ten adult trans-women were interviewed (mean age: 37.4) to explore their personal histories regarding GD onset and development, their HT experiences, and their views on the use of GnRH analogs to suppress puberty in trans-children and adolescents. RESULTS: the interview transcripts were analyzed using the consensual qualitative research method from which several themes emerged: the onset of GD, childhood experiences, experiences with puberty and HT, views on the puberty suspension procedure, and the effects of this suspension on gender identity and sexuality. CONCLUSIONS: The interviews showed that overall, the participants valued the new treatment protocol due to the opportunity to prevent the severe body dysphoria and social phobia trans-people experience with puberty. It seems that the risk of social isolation and psychological suffering is increased by the general lack of acceptance and stigma toward trans-identities in the Italian society. However, during gender transitions, they highlight the need to focus more on internal and psychological aspects, rather than over-emphasize physical appearance. This study gives a voice to an under-represented group regarding the use of GnRH analogs to suppress puberty in trans-individuals, and collected firsthand insights on this controversial treatment and its recommendations in professional international guidelines.
PURPOSE: In recent years, an increasing number of specialized gender clinics have been prescribing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs to adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) to suppress puberty. This paper presents qualitative research on the hormone therapy (HT) experiences of older trans-people and their views on puberty suppression. The main aim of this research was to explore the psychological aspects of hormonal treatments for gender non-conforming adults, including the controversial use of puberty suppression treatments. METHODS: Using a semi-structured interview format, ten adult trans-women were interviewed (mean age: 37.4) to explore their personal histories regarding GD onset and development, their HT experiences, and their views on the use of GnRH analogs to suppress puberty in trans-children and adolescents. RESULTS: the interview transcripts were analyzed using the consensual qualitative research method from which several themes emerged: the onset of GD, childhood experiences, experiences with puberty and HT, views on the puberty suspension procedure, and the effects of this suspension on gender identity and sexuality. CONCLUSIONS: The interviews showed that overall, the participants valued the new treatment protocol due to the opportunity to prevent the severe body dysphoria and social phobia trans-people experience with puberty. It seems that the risk of social isolation and psychological suffering is increased by the general lack of acceptance and stigma toward trans-identities in the Italian society. However, during gender transitions, they highlight the need to focus more on internal and psychological aspects, rather than over-emphasize physical appearance. This study gives a voice to an under-represented group regarding the use of GnRH analogs to suppress puberty in trans-individuals, and collected firsthand insights on this controversial treatment and its recommendations in professional international guidelines.
Authors: Marta Mirabella; Giulia Senofonte; Guido Giovanardi; Vittorio Lingiardi; Alexandro Fortunato; Francesco Lombardo; Anna Maria Speranza Journal: Sex Res Social Policy Date: 2021-08-14
Authors: Guido Giovanardi; Alexandro Fortunato; Marta Mirabella; Anna Maria Speranza; Vittorio Lingiardi Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-12-19 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Mariana Magalhães; Marta E Aparicio-García; Isidro García-Nieto Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-09-19 Impact factor: 3.390