What is gender dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a condition where there’s a significant mismatch between your assigned gender at birth and your experienced or expressed gender. This incongruence can lead to intense psychological distress and discomfort, affecting various aspects of your life, including emotional well-being, social interactions, and daily functioning.

Gender dysphoria is recognized as a medical diagnosis and is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

What causes gender dysphoria?

The exact cause of gender dysphoria isn’t fully understood but is believed to result from biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Research suggests that brain structure and function differences might contribute to gender identity development.

In addition, hormonal influences during prenatal development and genetic variations may play roles. Environmental factors, such as family dynamics and social influences, can also have an impact.

What are the symptoms of gender dysphoria?

Symptoms of gender dysphoria can vary widely but commonly include:

• Persistent discomfort: a continuous sense of distress with your assigned gender
• Desire for different gender characteristics: to want to be rid of your primary and secondary sex characteristics or to have the characteristics of another gender
• Strong preference for gender roles: a desire for toys, games, or activities typical of another gender
• Identification with another gender: a strong conviction that you have the typical feelings and reactions of another gender
• Social and emotional distress: relates to the incongruence between your experienced gender and assigned gender

Your Pro Health Psychiatry provider helps you navigate your thoughts, feelings, and desires.

How is gender dysphoria treated?

At Pro Health Psychiatry, the team treats gender dysphoria with highly individualized plans that alleviate the distress associated with the condition. It often involves a combination of the following approaches:

• Psychotherapy

  Therapy with your mental health professional experienced in gender issues can help you explore your gender identity, cope with associated distress, and develop a supportive environment.

• Hormone therapy

  Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help align your physical characteristics with your gender identity, providing relief from dysphoria.

• Surgical interventions

  Gender-affirming surgeries can alter primary and secondary sex characteristics to better reflect your gender identity.

• Social transitioning

  This involves changing your name, pronouns, clothing, and other gender-related expressions to align with your gender identity.

• Support groups

  Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide emotional support and a sense of community.

To learn more about gender dysphoria, call for a consultation today or book online.