Expert Care for Gender Dysphoria

Defining Gender Identity

Gender is a spectrum and everyone possesses a blend of traits that are generally deemed as ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’. No one is purely one, they include a combination or a mix of different qualities that lie somewhere on the spectrum.

Gender identity is your internal sense of gender, which can be man, woman, neither, or somewhere in between. Some examples include:

Cisgender: Someone whose internal gender aligns with their biological sex 

Transgender: Someone whose gender identity differs from their biological sex

Agender: Someone who doesn’t identify as any gender

Gender-fluid: Someone whose gender changes over time

What Is Gender Dysphoria? 

Most people identify as ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ but some people feel their gender is different from their biological sex assigned at birth. When this feeling becomes a cause of distress for a person, it is called ‘Gender Dysphoria’.

Causes of Gender Dysphoria

The causes of Gender Dysphoria are unknown, however, research indicates that there may be some correlation between Gender Dysphoria and exposure to certain chemicals during the prenatal stage. Studies have also found an increased prevalence of Gender Dysphoria among twins, which may indicate a genetic link.

Behavioural Indicators 

• Avoiding activities, tasks or roles that are typically gender specific
• Dressing and grooming in ways that align with one’s gender identity
• Social withdrawal
• Avoiding intimacy
• Self-harm

Physical Indicators 

• Strong desire to change body characteristics. E.g sex change 
• Discomfort with one’s body, especially during puberty
• Problems sleeping
• Appetite changes 
• Self-harm injuries

Treatment and Management

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is vital in treating Gender Dysphoria. It helps you accept your true self, teaches important coping strategies to manage societal pressures, equips you with ways to address emotional distress due to Anxiety or Depression and helps in building emotional resilience.

Medical Interventions 

Popular medical interventions include hormone therapy. It alters your sex characteristics to align with your gender identity. E.g. Testosterone or estrogen pills.

Social Transitioning

Social transitioning can reduce symptoms of Gender Dysphoria greatly as it helps destigmatise your desired gender identity. You learn to accept yourself for who you are and feel validated when others acknowledge your gender identity.

The feeling of persistently being misunderstood, invalidated, or unaccepted can make them feel isolated or alienated and further exacerbate their mental health struggles.

Social Acceptance and Support

People with Gender Dysphoria find it difficult to feel accepted in society. It is a real challenge that is faced by most and this invalidation from family, friends, and society in general can make them feel isolated and lonely, causing other mental health issues.

Legal and Ethical Considerations 

Since Gender Dysphoria as a concept is only now being acknowledged and accepted in society, there aren’t many laws surrounding it. Because of this, it may be difficult to access certain public resources, areas or places that might be gendered. E.g. gendered washrooms.
Participation in activities that are gendered, such as gendered sports, may involve additional challenges.