Endocrine management of transgender adolescents: Expert consensus of the french society of pediatric endocrinology and diabetology working group

Abstract

Introduction: Requests for hormonal transition in minors are increasing. To date, there is no national recommendation to guide these practices in France. Therefore, the SFEDP (French Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology) has commissioned a group of experts to draft the first national consensus on this topic.

Method: Each chapter was prepared by one to three authors who conducted a literature review, and it was then reviewed and revised by the group as many times as necessary to achieve a consensus position. The final document was reviewed by a group of external experts.

Results: A consensus position was reached regarding the multi-professional nature of support for trans youth, the prescription of molecules aimed at inhibiting endogenous hormone secretion, and the use of gender-affirming hormone therapies, as well as the importance of offering gamete preservation. Non-hormonal aspects of support and various considerations, including ethical ones, were also discussed.

Conclusion: This work constitutes an initial set of recommendations for professionals involved in the hormonal transition of trans youth. Additional recommendations under the auspices of the French High Authority for Health would be worthy of being drafted, involving all relevant stakeholders to establish comprehensive official national guidelines that would secure the support and rights of these young individuals, especially those under 16 years old, as well as the professionals involved in their care.

Keywords: Consensus; Estrogens,; GnRH analogs; Hormonal treatment; Testosterone; Transgender adolescent.