A Pharmacist’s Guide to Gender-Affirming Care in Adolescents
by Riley Q. Hall, 2025 PharmD Candidate, Elena M. Hofbauer, 2025 PharmD Candidate, Kaitlin F. Larson, 2025 PharmD Candidate, Justin Temple, MD, Brittany J. Allen, MD
Abstract:
The number of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth in the United States, and subsequently the number of those seeking medical care, is increasing. This paper seeks to review the many facets of gender-affirming care with a primary focus on pharmacotherapy to better familiarize the healthcare professional and improve the delivery of quality care to this population that faces many unique health disparities. Through review of various professional guidelines, medical literature, and pharmacology databases, we outline the medications commonly used in gender-affirming care, including puberty blocking agents, hormonal therapy with estrogen and testosterone, and adjunctive agents such as progestins and androgen blockers. With respect to these medications, we aim to delineate indications, contraindications, potential medication interactions, common adverse effects, and necessary monitoring. We also briefly review nonpharmacologic methods utilized in gender-affirming care, as familiarity with all options is essential to collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Keywords: Gender-affirming care, transgender care, GnRH agonists, gender-affirming hormone therapy
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2024 November/December Table of Contents
Abstract:
The number of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth in the United States, and subsequently the number of those seeking medical care, is increasing. This paper seeks to review the many facets of gender-affirming care with a primary focus on pharmacotherapy to better familiarize the healthcare professional and improve the delivery of quality care to this population that faces many unique health disparities. Through review of various professional guidelines, medical literature, and pharmacology databases, we outline the medications commonly used in gender-affirming care, including puberty blocking agents, hormonal therapy with estrogen and testosterone, and adjunctive agents such as progestins and androgen blockers. With respect to these medications, we aim to delineate indications, contraindications, potential medication interactions, common adverse effects, and necessary monitoring. We also briefly review nonpharmacologic methods utilized in gender-affirming care, as familiarity with all options is essential to collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Keywords: Gender-affirming care, transgender care, GnRH agonists, gender-affirming hormone therapy
Download PDF
2024 November/December Table of Contents