Caring for transgender, gender diverse and gender non-conforming patients is complicated, and it’s made even more complex by the dynamic nature of gender itself. In this episode, Natalie Nokoff, MD, from the Children’s Colorado TRUE Center for Gender Diversity, joins us to discuss healthcare for transgender and gender diverse patients.

In this episode:

• Common gender terminology physicians may encounter when talking with gender diverse patients
• How to communicate with pediatric patients about their gender identity
• Proactive strategies pediatricians can use surrounding early gender issues
• Understanding the relationship between puberty and gender or body distress (gender dysphoria)
• When to refer young patients experiencing gender dysphoria
• Why it’s important to ask all teens questions about gender identity
• Understanding the family dynamic and needs before referring gender diverse patients to a specialist
• Ensuring a safe environment at school and in the community before gender transition
• Hormone therapy and puberty blocking protocol and WPATH criteria for starting hormone therapy
• Most common methods and forms of hormone therapy and the side effects pediatric primary care providers should be aware of
• The unique mental health, social and emotional support needs of this patient population

 

Resources for transgender healthcare:

• The World Professional Association of Transgender Health Standards of Care
• Endocrine Treatment of Gender-Dysphoric/Gender-Incongruent Persons: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
• Resources from Gender Spectrum
• TRUE Center for Gender Diversity, our local Denver gender center