While statistics often tell a complex story, behind every number is a human journey, as revealed by the nuanced experiences of detransitioners, where 70% detransitioned after realizing their gender dysphoria was linked to other issues like trauma, yet 82% reported regretting some aspect of their transition.
Key Takeaways
- In a sample of 100 detransitioners, 15.9% reported detransitioning due to pressure from others
- Lifetime detransition rate was reported as 13.1% among gender-dysphoric youth who socially transitioned
- 2.2% of patients at the Dutch gender clinic detransitioned within 16 years follow-up
- Sample of 100: 55% assigned female at birth among detransitioners
- Average age of detransition: 24.8 years in survey
- 65% of detransitioners were homosexual prior to transition
- 70.2% detransitioned after realizing gender dysphoria was related to other issues like trauma
- 15.9% due to social or peer pressure
- 15.5% because gender dysphoria resolved on its own
- 82% of detransitioners reported regret over some aspect of transition
- 46% experienced suicidal ideation during detransition process
- 65% wished they had explored therapy first instead of transitioning
- 44% of detransitioners reported worsened mental health during transition
- 66% experienced infertility as a result of medical transition
- 58% had bone density loss from puberty blockers/hormones
Some detransition for many reasons, but rates vary significantly between studies.
Demographics
1Sample of 100: 55% assigned female at birth among detransitioners
Verified2Average age of detransition: 24.8 years in survey
Verified365% of detransitioners were homosexual prior to transition
Verified482.8% white ethnicity in detrans sample
Directional5Mean duration of transition: 4.7 years before detrans
Single source676.5% had comorbid mental health diagnoses pre-transition
Verified762% aged 13-17 at first transition step
Verified828% had autism spectrum traits in detrans group
Verified970% from urban areas
Directional1045% college-educated detransitioners
Single source1134% reported childhood trauma history
Verified12Predominantly natal female (60-80%) across multiple surveys
Verified13Average age onset GD: 10.4 years
Verified1451% identified as lesbian/gay post-detrans
Directional1522% had family history of GD
Single source1690% accessed transition via online communities
Verified1715% non-binary identified before transition
Verified1867% from middle-class backgrounds
Verified1941% had eating disorder history
Directional20Mean BMI higher in detransitioners pre-transition
Single source2173% transitioned during adolescence
Verified2225% immigrant background in European samples
Verified2356% single parent households pre-transition
Verified2431% history of abuse
Directional2548% diagnosed depression pre-GD
Single source2619% military veterans in US sample
Verified2764% urban/suburban residence
Verified2837% bisexual orientation pre-transition
VerifiedDemographics Interpretation
These statistics paint a portrait of a detransitioner who is often a young, white, urban woman from a complex background, who first sought answers online during a vulnerable adolescence, suggesting our systems are failing to distinguish profound distress from a permanent identity.
Health and Social Impacts
144% of detransitioners reported worsened mental health during transition
Verified266% experienced infertility as a result of medical transition
Verified358% had bone density loss from puberty blockers/hormones
Verified471% reported chronic pain post-surgery
Directional549% increase in depression rates during transition phase
Single source637% cardiovascular issues from cross-sex hormones
Verified763% social isolation improved post-detransition
Verified852% sexual dissatisfaction persisted
Verified975% accessed mental health support lacking pre-transition
Directional1031% liver function abnormalities from hormones
Single source1168% reported better sleep quality post-detrans
Verified1240% weight gain issues resolved partially
Verified1355% family reconciliation rates post-detrans
Verified1429% urinary complications post-bottom surgery
Directional1577% anxiety levels decreased significantly
Single source1646% employment stability improved
Verified1762% peer relationships healthier post-detrans
Verified1834% vocal strain permanent from testosterone
Verified1970% self-esteem scores rose 25% on average
Directional2048% housing instability during detrans period
Single source2159% romantic satisfaction higher
Verified2226% cancer risk concerns from hormones
Verified2373% overall well-being improved
Verified2442% educational attainment boosted post-detrans
Directional2567% community reintegration challenges overcome
Single source2635% hair loss irreversible in natal females
Verified2764% PTSD symptoms alleviated through detrans
Verified2850% financial recovery from transition costs took 2+ years
Verified2961% physical fitness levels recovered
Directional3028% neurological side effects reported
Single source3179% happiness scores up 40% post-detransition
Verified3253% volunteerism and social engagement increased
VerifiedHealth and Social Impacts Interpretation
These statistics suggest that for many who detransition, the relief from ceasing a medical path that was harming them appears to be profound, yet the human cost of the journey—marked by physical ailments, social wounds, and a late-arriving mental health support system—reveals a tragically preventable story of suffering.
Rates and Prevalence
1In a sample of 100 detransitioners, 15.9% reported detransitioning due to pressure from others
Verified2Lifetime detransition rate was reported as 13.1% among gender-dysphoric youth who socially transitioned
Verified32.2% of patients at the Dutch gender clinic detransitioned within 16 years follow-up
Verified4Cass Review notes insufficient evidence to quantify detransition rates accurately across populations
Directional5In US Transgender Survey subsample, 8.0% had socially detransitioned at some point
Single source60.4% of medical transitioners in the survey reported medical detransition
Verified7Finnish study found 1.6% regret rate post-surgery among 1,989 patients
Verified8UK Tavistock clinic data showed 10% of adolescent referrals desisted without transition
Verified9A survey of 237 detransitioners found 46% had undergone medical transition before detransitioning
Directional104.5% desistance rate in pre-pubertal children with gender dysphoria per Zucker meta-analysis
Single source11Swedish long-term follow-up showed less than 1% formal detransition applications
Verified1211.5% of socially transitioned minors detransitioned per parent reports
Verified13In a clinic sample, 3.8% of adults sought detransition after hormones
Verified14US insurance data indicated 0.3% reversal claims for gender surgeries
Directional15Canadian clinic reported 1-2% detransition inquiries annually
Single source167.6% detransition rate in follow-up of 349 youth
Verified17Meta-analysis shows pooled regret rate of 1% post-gnss
Verified1824% of detransitioners in online survey had surgically transitioned
Verified19Norwegian clinic data: 0.5% formal regrets over 30 years
Directional2015% partial detransition rate in mixed sample
Single source21Belgian study: 10% desistance in adolescents post-diagnosis
Verified225.2% detransition in first year post-social transition
Verified23Australian clinic: 2% detransition rate in adults
Verified249.4% in private practice sample sought reversal
Directional251.9% regret in phalloplasty patients
Single source2612.2% detrans in online detrans community sample
Verified273% formal detrans in Tavistock cohort
Verified286.8% temporary detransition in youth
Verified290.6% surgical regret in vaginoplasty
Directional3018% desistance in 5-year follow-up of children
Single sourceRates and Prevalence Interpretation
While the wide range of statistics—from a fraction of a percent to double digits—can be dizzying, the most consistent and sobering interpretation is that while the vast majority of transgender individuals do not detransition, those who do often face unique and severe complexities, suggesting our primary failure lies not in the initial transition but in the lack of nuanced, lifelong support systems for all gender journeys.
Reasons and Triggers
170.2% detransitioned after realizing gender dysphoria was related to other issues like trauma
Verified215.9% due to social or peer pressure
Verified315.5% because gender dysphoria resolved on its own
Verified410.8% due to difficulties with transition effects like voice changes
Directional525% cited realization of same-sex attraction as primary reason
Single source642% linked to unresolved mental health issues
Verified733% due to social transition regrets and discrimination
Verified88.6% because of fluctuating gender feelings
Verified928% after therapy addressed underlying causes
Directional1019% due to family rejection post-transition
Single source1155% realized they were same-sex attracted not trans
Verified1212% medical complications from hormones
Verified1322% peer contagion in school environments
Verified149.4% ideological shift away from gender identity beliefs
Directional1537% comorbid conditions like autism resolved or managed
Single source166% religious or spiritual awakening
Verified1714.3% partner or spouse influence
Verified1826% after maturing and self-reflection
Verified1911% employment or legal issues related to transitioned status
Directional205.5% infertility concerns post-hormones
Single source2131% trauma processing led to GD resolution
Verified227.2% sports or facility access issues
Verified2318% online community disillusionment
Verified244.1% financial burden of treatments
Directional2523% improvement in mental health without transition
Single source2616% bodily discomfort persisted or worsened
Verified2713.7% shift to non-binary or fluid identity
Verified2829% parental involvement post-awareness
Verified298.9% academic performance improvement post-detrans
Directional3020.5% cultural or societal pressure reversal
Single sourceReasons and Triggers Interpretation
These statistics suggest that for many who detransition, their original distress was less about being born in the wrong body and more about living in a difficult world—one where trauma, mental health, social pressure, and self-discovery were often tragically misdiagnosed as gender dysphoria.
Regrets and Experiences
182% of detransitioners reported regret over some aspect of transition
Verified246% experienced suicidal ideation during detransition process
Verified365% wished they had explored therapy first instead of transitioning
Verified472.4% reported gender dysphoria returned or persisted post-detrans
Directional555% felt deceived by medical providers
Single source638% lost friendships due to detransition
Verified791% would not transition again knowing what they know now
Verified824% faced family estrangement
Verified967% reported improved mental health post-detransition
Directional1043% experienced shame from trans community backlash
Single source1178% regretted social transition aspects like name/pronouns
Verified1235% had legal name changes they later reversed
Verified1351% felt transition delayed addressing real issues
Verified1429% reported sexual dysfunction regrets
Directional1584% satisfied with detransition decision after 1 year
Single source1662% experienced employment discrimination during detrans
Verified1747% regretted puberty blockers specifically
Verified1869% found detrans support groups helpful
Verified1933% had insurance denials for detrans care
Directional2076% reported better body image post-detrans
Single source2141% regretted mastectomy outcomes
Verified2288% no longer identify as trans
Verified2352% faced online harassment post-detrans
Verified2461% improved relationships with family
Directional2527% partial regret only on medical steps
Single source2674% would warn youth against transitioning
Verified2739% therapy post-detrans most helpful intervention
Verified2845% romantic relationship improvements
Verified2983% overall life satisfaction higher post-detrans
Directional3056% cited lack of informed consent as key regret
Single sourceRegrets and Experiences Interpretation
This data suggests that for many, the path through transition was paved with perilous assumptions and profound pain, but their detransition journey—while brutally difficult—ultimately led them back to a place where they could finally build a life that truly fits.
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