The Effects of Hormonal Gender Affirmation Treatment on Mental Health in Female-to-Male Transsexuals

Abstract

Hormonal interventions are an often-sought option for transgender individuals seeking to medically transition to an authentic gender. Current literature stresses that the effects and associated risks of hormone regimens should be monitored and well understood by health care providers (Feldman & Bockting, 2003). However, the positive psychological effects following hormone replacement therapy as a gender affirming treatment have not been adequately researched. This study examined the relationship of hormone replacement therapy, specifically testosterone, with various mental health outcomes in an Internet sample of more than 400 self-identified female-to-male transsexuals. Results of the study indicate that female-to-male transsexuals who receive testosterone have lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and higher levels of social support and health related quality of life. Testosterone use was not related to problems with drugs, alcohol, or suicidality. Overall findings provide clear evidence that HRT is associated with improved mental health outcomes in female-to-male transsexuals.

KEYWORDS:

• gender affirmation treatment
• transgender
• hormone replacement therapy
• testosterone
• female-to-male transsexual
• FTM

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Jamison Green, Lore Dickey, Sean Moundas, and Robert Meier for their thoughtful comments on earlier editions of this manuscript. This work was supported by a Graduate Student Research Proposal Award from the Texas Psychological Foundation.

Notes

*These authors contributed equally to this work.