Transitioning Bodies. The Case of Self-Prescribing Sexual Hormones in Gender Affirmation in Individuals Attending Psychiatric Services

Brain Sciences
Antonio MetastasioOrnella Corazza

Abstract

Self-prescribing of sexual hormones for gender affirmation is a potentially widespread and poorly studied phenomenon that many clinicians are unaware of. The uncontrolled use of hormones poses significant health hazards, which have not been previously reported in the literature. We have collected seven clinical cases in general adult psychiatry settings (both inpatient and outpatients), describing transgender and gender non-conforming individuals' (TGNC) self-prescribing and self-administering hormones bought from the Internet without any medical consultation. Among these cases, two were taking androgens, and the rest were taking oestrogens. The main reason for self-administration of hormones seems to be the lack of access to specialised care due to discrimination and long waiting lists. We advocate for clinicians to be aware of the phenomenon and proactively help TGNC individuals by enquiring about self-prescribing of hormones, providing information and referring to the most appropriate treatment centre as well as encourage a public debate on the discrimination and the stigma that TGNC population suffer from. Overall, there is an urgent need for the implementation of different and innovative health care services for TGNC indiv...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

May 16, 2019·BMJ : British Medical Journal·Laura FergusonSofia Gruskin
Aug 21, 2021·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Kyle J D MulrooneyJack Darkes
Dec 22, 2020·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Mair UnderwoodMatthew Dunn

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
Hormone Therapy

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