GITNUXREPORT 2026

Transgender Healthcare Statistics

Transgender healthcare significantly improves mental health outcomes for a diverse population.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In the United States, approximately 1.6 million people aged 13 and older identify as transgender, representing 0.6% of that population, with youth (13-17) comprising 300,000 or 1.4% of their age group.

Statistic 2

Among U.S. adults, 0.5% (1.3 million) identify as transgender, with higher prevalence in urban areas at 0.8% compared to rural at 0.3%.

Statistic 3

Transgender women make up 38.5% of the U.S. transgender population aged 13+, while transgender men are 35.9%, and gender non-conforming are 25.6%.

Statistic 4

In the UK, 0.5% of adults (262,000) aged 16+ identify as transgender, including 48,000 non-binary individuals.

Statistic 5

Globally, an estimated 25 million transgender people exist, with prevalence rates varying from 0.1-2.0% across countries based on surveys.

Statistic 6

In Canada, 0.33% of population (92,000 aged 15+) identify as transgender or non-binary, with higher rates among youth at 1.1%.

Statistic 7

U.S. military veterans identifying as transgender number about 134,000, or 1.3% of veteran population.

Statistic 8

Among U.S. college students, 2.2% identify as transgender or gender non-conforming.

Statistic 9

In Australia, 0.4-1.0% of adults identify as transgender, with 3% of high school students reporting transgender identity.

Statistic 10

Brazil has the highest transgender population estimate at 2% (4 million), driven by cultural factors and violence data.

Statistic 11

In the U.S., transgender population prevalence is 0.6% overall, but 1.3% among young adults aged 18-24.

Statistic 12

Europe-wide, 1.2% of young adults (18-24) identify as transgender per Eurobarometer.

Statistic 13

In New Zealand, 1.2% of high school students identify as trans or non-binary.

Statistic 14

U.S. incarcerated trans population is 3-6 times higher proportionally.

Statistic 15

Among U.S. physicians, 0.5% identify as transgender.

Statistic 16

India estimates 4.8 million transgender people (0.4%).

Statistic 17

Transgender youth in foster care are 2x more likely to be represented.

Statistic 18

0.7% of U.S. active military personnel are transgender.

Statistic 19

Netherlands prevalence stable at 0.6% since 1980s.

Statistic 20

Vaginoplasty complication rate is 15-20% within 1 year, including wound dehiscence (5-10%).

Statistic 21

Phalloplasty success rate for urethra creation is 70-80%, with stricture rates 20-30%.

Statistic 22

Top surgery (mastectomy) regret rate is 0.5-1% over 10 years follow-up.

Statistic 23

Metoidioplasty functional erection achieved in 20-40% of cases.

Statistic 24

Facial feminization surgery reduces perceived gender incongruence by 90% subjectively.

Statistic 25

Hysterectomy in trans men has 2-5% complication rate for vaginal cuff issues.

Statistic 26

Penile inversion vaginoplasty neovaginal depth averages 12-15 cm post-op.

Statistic 27

Chest masculinization surgery nipple sensation preserved in 80-90%.

Statistic 28

Revision rate for vaginoplasty is 25% lifetime, mostly for aesthetics.

Statistic 29

Orchiectomy reduces hormone dose needs by 50-75% post-procedure.

Statistic 30

Clitoroplasty sensation retention is 75-85% after vaginoplasty.

Statistic 31

Phalloplasty flap survival rate is 95-98% with radial forearm free flap.

Statistic 32

Voice feminization surgery pitch increases by 20-40 Hz on average.

Statistic 33

Salpingo-oophorectomy complication rate <3% in trans men.

Statistic 34

Overall GAS satisfaction is 94-97% at 1-year follow-up.

Statistic 35

Urethroplasty fistula rate in phalloplasty is 30-50% requiring repair.

Statistic 36

Breast augmentation in trans women complication rate 10% (capsular contracture).

Statistic 37

Tracheal shave reduces Adam's apple protrusion by 5-10 mm safely.

Statistic 38

Long-term sexual function satisfaction post-phalloplasty 75%.

Statistic 39

Mastoidectomy complication rate 2%, infection primary.

Statistic 40

Uterus transplant experimental in trans women, 1 success case.

Statistic 41

97% satisfaction post-top surgery long-term.

Statistic 42

Rectosigmoid vaginoplasty hair growth issue 15%.

Statistic 43

Implant-based phalloplasty rigidity 50% with pump.

Statistic 44

Rhinoplasty in FFS satisfaction 95%.

Statistic 45

Oophorectomy regret <0.1% in trans men.

Statistic 46

Neovagina prolapse rate 1-2% post-vaginoplasty.

Statistic 47

Areola reduction preserves sensation 85%.

Statistic 48

Total laryngectomy rare, pitch control 80% Wendler.

Statistic 49

Fistula repair success 90% secondary in phallo.

Statistic 50

Hair transplant for hairline 90% graft survival.

Statistic 51

5% readmission rate within 30 days GAS.

Statistic 52

Sensate pedicle flap clitoris orgasm 80-90%.

Statistic 53

Jaw contouring complication 5% nerve injury.

Statistic 54

33% of transgender individuals in the U.S. report being denied healthcare due to gender identity.

Statistic 55

Insurance coverage for gender-affirming care increased from 10% in 2011 to 60% in 2021 in employer plans.

Statistic 56

Wait times for gender clinics average 14 months in the UK NHS.

Statistic 57

24% of trans people avoid medical care due to discrimination fears.

Statistic 58

Cost of vaginoplasty averages $25,000 USD without insurance.

Statistic 59

18 U.S. states ban gender-affirming care for minors as of 2023.

Statistic 60

Medicaid coverage for trans care varies; 25 states cover hormones/surgery.

Statistic 61

Global shortage of WPATH-trained providers: only 500 worldwide.

Statistic 62

48% of trans youth cannot access puberty blockers due to cost/location.

Statistic 63

Employer-sponsored insurance denies GAS claims in 12% of cases.

Statistic 64

Travel distance for care averages 50 miles for rural trans Americans.

Statistic 65

70% of trans people report provider lack of knowledge on trans care.

Statistic 66

Annual hormone therapy cost $200-1,000 with insurance, $2,000+ without.

Statistic 67

15 countries legally require sterilization for legal gender change.

Statistic 68

Telehealth for hormones increased access by 40% during COVID-19.

Statistic 69

28% uninsured rate among trans adults vs 10% general population.

Statistic 70

Public insurance bans GAS in military TRICARE for most procedures.

Statistic 71

Clinic capacity: U.S. has 50 major gender clinics serving 1.6M.

Statistic 72

Out-of-pocket costs average $10,000 for top surgery pre-insurance.

Statistic 73

International students face visa issues for trans care access.

Statistic 74

40% of trans Americans live in states without full legal protections for care.

Statistic 75

Average age first hormone therapy 28 years due to barriers.

Statistic 76

55% faced insurance denial for trans-related care.

Statistic 77

Global WPATH standards adopted in 50+ countries partially.

Statistic 78

Phalloplasty cost $100,000+ uninsured.

Statistic 79

62% of trans people postpone care due to cost.

Statistic 80

Provider training programs reach only 20% U.S. med schools adequately.

Statistic 81

Refugee trans care access delayed 2+ years in many nations.

Statistic 82

80% satisfaction with virtual care for monitoring.

Statistic 83

12 states require coverage parity for trans care 2023.

Statistic 84

Testosterone therapy in trans men increases hemoglobin by 10-20% within 3-6 months.

Statistic 85

Estrogen therapy in trans women reduces testosterone to female range (<50 ng/dL) in 90% of cases after 6 months.

Statistic 86

Puberty suppression with GnRH agonists halts Tanner stage progression in 98% of trans youth.

Statistic 87

Long-term testosterone use in trans men leads to amenorrhea in 90-100% after 1 year.

Statistic 88

Estradiol levels reach 100-200 pg/mL in 80% of trans women on oral estrogen after 3 months.

Statistic 89

Bone density decreases by 5-10% in first year of hormone therapy for trans women without monitoring.

Statistic 90

Cardiovascular risk increases 2-5 fold with estrogen plus anti-androgens in trans women over 40.

Statistic 91

70% of trans men on testosterone experience voice deepening by 20-30 Hz drop within 6 months.

Statistic 92

Prolactin levels elevate >100 ng/mL in 5-10% of trans women on cyproterone acetate.

Statistic 93

Hematocrit rises to >50% in 25% of trans men on IM testosterone, requiring monitoring.

Statistic 94

Breast development reaches Tanner stage 4-5 in 60% of trans women after 2 years of estrogen.

Statistic 95

Liver enzyme elevations occur in <5% with oral vs injectable estrogen routes.

Statistic 96

Facial hair growth increases 50-70% in trans men after 12 months of testosterone.

Statistic 97

Fertility preservation rates pre-hormone therapy are 5-10% among trans individuals.

Statistic 98

Polycythemia risk is 6.1% per year in trans men on testosterone.

Statistic 99

Venous thromboembolism risk is 0.3-2.0% annually with transdermal estrogen vs 5% oral.

Statistic 100

Muscle mass increases 10-20% in trans men within first year of testosterone.

Statistic 101

85% satisfaction with hormone-induced body changes after 1 year.

Statistic 102

Estradiol + spironolactone combo stabilizes mood in 70% trans women.

Statistic 103

Testosterone undecanoate injections maintain levels 300-1000 ng/dL for 12 weeks in 95%.

Statistic 104

GnRH agonist use prevents 95% of unwanted puberty changes.

Statistic 105

Anti-androgen monotherapy risks osteoporosis in 15% after 2 years.

Statistic 106

Transdermal estradiol VTE risk 0.15/1000 person-years vs oral 2.3.

Statistic 107

Clitoromegaly occurs in 90% trans men on T after 6 months.

Statistic 108

Progesterone addition enhances breast development in 25% cases.

Statistic 109

Lipid profile worsens: LDL +12%, HDL -14% on testosterone.

Statistic 110

20% erythrocytosis rate on T, managed by dose adjustment.

Statistic 111

Fat mass decreases 5% , lean mass +10% first year T.

Statistic 112

Serum estradiol monitoring targets 100-200 pg/mL for safety.

Statistic 113

Acne affects 40-70% initially on testosterone.

Statistic 114

Infertility after 6 months hormones in 95% without preservation.

Statistic 115

Mood stabilization with T in 60% trans men with dysphoria.

Statistic 116

DHT levels rise 3-5x on testosterone therapy.

Statistic 117

Transgender individuals experience lifetime suicide attempt rates of 40%, compared to 4.6% in the general U.S. population.

Statistic 118

41% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide, with rates highest among Native American trans people at 56%.

Statistic 119

Transgender youth have depression rates of 50-60%, three times higher than cisgender peers.

Statistic 120

Anxiety disorders affect 42% of transgender adults, versus 10% general population.

Statistic 121

After gender-affirming surgery, suicide attempts drop from 19% pre-op to 0% post-op in some cohorts.

Statistic 122

Transgender people report psychological distress rates 5.5 times higher than cisgender controls.

Statistic 123

54% of transgender individuals seriously considered suicide in the past year, per 2015 U.S. survey.

Statistic 124

Gender dysphoria diagnosis correlates with PTSD rates of 30% in trans youth.

Statistic 125

Hormone therapy reduces depression by 60% and anxiety by 50% in transgender adults.

Statistic 126

Lifetime mental health treatment utilization is 65% among trans adults vs 16% general.

Statistic 127

33% of trans people report verbal harassment leading to mental health decline.

Statistic 128

Substance use disorders affect 26% of trans population vs 9% general.

Statistic 129

Eating disorders prevalence is 18% in trans women, 13% in trans men.

Statistic 130

Social transition in youth reduces suicidality by 73%.

Statistic 131

Family rejection increases suicide risk 8.4-fold in trans youth.

Statistic 132

Puberty blockers associated with 40% lower odds of lifetime suicidal ideation.

Statistic 133

60% of trans individuals report improved mental health post-transition.

Statistic 134

Discrimination accounts for 29% variance in trans mental health outcomes.

Statistic 135

Hormone therapy linked to 55% reduction in psychological distress scores.

Statistic 136

Post-surgical regret correlates with unresolved mental health issues in <1% cases.

Statistic 137

Suicide ideation in trans adults is 82%, vs 12% cisgender.

Statistic 138

Gender-affirming care reduces past-year suicidality by 73% in youth.

Statistic 139

50% of trans people have major depressive disorder diagnosis.

Statistic 140

Self-harm rates 20x higher in trans vs cis youth pre-treatment.

Statistic 141

Transition-related regret minimal at 0.3-0.6% long-term.

Statistic 142

Minority stress model explains 40% of variance in trans distress.

Statistic 143

39% report intimate partner violence, worsening mental health.

Statistic 144

Bipolar disorder prevalence 10% in trans vs 2.8% general.

Statistic 145

Puberty blockers improve psychosocial functioning scores by 0.5 SD.

Statistic 146

75% report family support buffers mental health risks.

Statistic 147

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders 3x higher in trans population.

Statistic 148

Life satisfaction increases 20% post-hormone therapy.

Statistic 149

Homelessness triples suicide risk in trans youth.

Statistic 150

CBT tailored for trans reduces distress by 35%.

Statistic 151

92% lifetime mental health diagnosis rate pre-transition.

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Imagine, for a moment, the profound relief and life-saving impact of gender-affirming care, yet behind these critical medical interventions lies a stark reality of staggering health disparities that demand our urgent attention and understanding.

Key Takeaways

  • In the United States, approximately 1.6 million people aged 13 and older identify as transgender, representing 0.6% of that population, with youth (13-17) comprising 300,000 or 1.4% of their age group.
  • Among U.S. adults, 0.5% (1.3 million) identify as transgender, with higher prevalence in urban areas at 0.8% compared to rural at 0.3%.
  • Transgender women make up 38.5% of the U.S. transgender population aged 13+, while transgender men are 35.9%, and gender non-conforming are 25.6%.
  • Transgender individuals experience lifetime suicide attempt rates of 40%, compared to 4.6% in the general U.S. population.
  • 41% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide, with rates highest among Native American trans people at 56%.
  • Transgender youth have depression rates of 50-60%, three times higher than cisgender peers.
  • Testosterone therapy in trans men increases hemoglobin by 10-20% within 3-6 months.
  • Estrogen therapy in trans women reduces testosterone to female range (<50 ng/dL) in 90% of cases after 6 months.
  • Puberty suppression with GnRH agonists halts Tanner stage progression in 98% of trans youth.
  • Vaginoplasty complication rate is 15-20% within 1 year, including wound dehiscence (5-10%).
  • Phalloplasty success rate for urethra creation is 70-80%, with stricture rates 20-30%.
  • Top surgery (mastectomy) regret rate is 0.5-1% over 10 years follow-up.
  • 33% of transgender individuals in the U.S. report being denied healthcare due to gender identity.
  • Insurance coverage for gender-affirming care increased from 10% in 2011 to 60% in 2021 in employer plans.
  • Wait times for gender clinics average 14 months in the UK NHS.

Transgender healthcare significantly improves mental health outcomes for a diverse population.

Demographics

  • In the United States, approximately 1.6 million people aged 13 and older identify as transgender, representing 0.6% of that population, with youth (13-17) comprising 300,000 or 1.4% of their age group.
  • Among U.S. adults, 0.5% (1.3 million) identify as transgender, with higher prevalence in urban areas at 0.8% compared to rural at 0.3%.
  • Transgender women make up 38.5% of the U.S. transgender population aged 13+, while transgender men are 35.9%, and gender non-conforming are 25.6%.
  • In the UK, 0.5% of adults (262,000) aged 16+ identify as transgender, including 48,000 non-binary individuals.
  • Globally, an estimated 25 million transgender people exist, with prevalence rates varying from 0.1-2.0% across countries based on surveys.
  • In Canada, 0.33% of population (92,000 aged 15+) identify as transgender or non-binary, with higher rates among youth at 1.1%.
  • U.S. military veterans identifying as transgender number about 134,000, or 1.3% of veteran population.
  • Among U.S. college students, 2.2% identify as transgender or gender non-conforming.
  • In Australia, 0.4-1.0% of adults identify as transgender, with 3% of high school students reporting transgender identity.
  • Brazil has the highest transgender population estimate at 2% (4 million), driven by cultural factors and violence data.
  • In the U.S., transgender population prevalence is 0.6% overall, but 1.3% among young adults aged 18-24.
  • Europe-wide, 1.2% of young adults (18-24) identify as transgender per Eurobarometer.
  • In New Zealand, 1.2% of high school students identify as trans or non-binary.
  • U.S. incarcerated trans population is 3-6 times higher proportionally.
  • Among U.S. physicians, 0.5% identify as transgender.
  • India estimates 4.8 million transgender people (0.4%).
  • Transgender youth in foster care are 2x more likely to be represented.
  • 0.7% of U.S. active military personnel are transgender.
  • Netherlands prevalence stable at 0.6% since 1980s.

Demographics Interpretation

While the world debates their existence, transgender people are statistically undeniable, forming a population larger than most nations—a quiet but persistent 0.6% heartbeat of humanity simply asking for equal care.

Gender-Affirming Surgery

  • Vaginoplasty complication rate is 15-20% within 1 year, including wound dehiscence (5-10%).
  • Phalloplasty success rate for urethra creation is 70-80%, with stricture rates 20-30%.
  • Top surgery (mastectomy) regret rate is 0.5-1% over 10 years follow-up.
  • Metoidioplasty functional erection achieved in 20-40% of cases.
  • Facial feminization surgery reduces perceived gender incongruence by 90% subjectively.
  • Hysterectomy in trans men has 2-5% complication rate for vaginal cuff issues.
  • Penile inversion vaginoplasty neovaginal depth averages 12-15 cm post-op.
  • Chest masculinization surgery nipple sensation preserved in 80-90%.
  • Revision rate for vaginoplasty is 25% lifetime, mostly for aesthetics.
  • Orchiectomy reduces hormone dose needs by 50-75% post-procedure.
  • Clitoroplasty sensation retention is 75-85% after vaginoplasty.
  • Phalloplasty flap survival rate is 95-98% with radial forearm free flap.
  • Voice feminization surgery pitch increases by 20-40 Hz on average.
  • Salpingo-oophorectomy complication rate <3% in trans men.
  • Overall GAS satisfaction is 94-97% at 1-year follow-up.
  • Urethroplasty fistula rate in phalloplasty is 30-50% requiring repair.
  • Breast augmentation in trans women complication rate 10% (capsular contracture).
  • Tracheal shave reduces Adam's apple protrusion by 5-10 mm safely.
  • Long-term sexual function satisfaction post-phalloplasty 75%.
  • Mastoidectomy complication rate 2%, infection primary.
  • Uterus transplant experimental in trans women, 1 success case.
  • 97% satisfaction post-top surgery long-term.
  • Rectosigmoid vaginoplasty hair growth issue 15%.
  • Implant-based phalloplasty rigidity 50% with pump.
  • Rhinoplasty in FFS satisfaction 95%.
  • Oophorectomy regret <0.1% in trans men.
  • Neovagina prolapse rate 1-2% post-vaginoplasty.
  • Areola reduction preserves sensation 85%.
  • Total laryngectomy rare, pitch control 80% Wendler.
  • Fistula repair success 90% secondary in phallo.
  • Hair transplant for hairline 90% graft survival.
  • 5% readmission rate within 30 days GAS.
  • Sensate pedicle flap clitoris orgasm 80-90%.
  • Jaw contouring complication 5% nerve injury.

Gender-Affirming Surgery Interpretation

While these statistics reveal a journey paved with complex challenges and imperfect outcomes, the overwhelming verdict is one of profound human benefit, as the remarkably high long-term satisfaction rates testify that for transgender individuals, these medical procedures, though far from simple, are overwhelmingly worth it.

Healthcare Access

  • 33% of transgender individuals in the U.S. report being denied healthcare due to gender identity.
  • Insurance coverage for gender-affirming care increased from 10% in 2011 to 60% in 2021 in employer plans.
  • Wait times for gender clinics average 14 months in the UK NHS.
  • 24% of trans people avoid medical care due to discrimination fears.
  • Cost of vaginoplasty averages $25,000 USD without insurance.
  • 18 U.S. states ban gender-affirming care for minors as of 2023.
  • Medicaid coverage for trans care varies; 25 states cover hormones/surgery.
  • Global shortage of WPATH-trained providers: only 500 worldwide.
  • 48% of trans youth cannot access puberty blockers due to cost/location.
  • Employer-sponsored insurance denies GAS claims in 12% of cases.
  • Travel distance for care averages 50 miles for rural trans Americans.
  • 70% of trans people report provider lack of knowledge on trans care.
  • Annual hormone therapy cost $200-1,000 with insurance, $2,000+ without.
  • 15 countries legally require sterilization for legal gender change.
  • Telehealth for hormones increased access by 40% during COVID-19.
  • 28% uninsured rate among trans adults vs 10% general population.
  • Public insurance bans GAS in military TRICARE for most procedures.
  • Clinic capacity: U.S. has 50 major gender clinics serving 1.6M.
  • Out-of-pocket costs average $10,000 for top surgery pre-insurance.
  • International students face visa issues for trans care access.
  • 40% of trans Americans live in states without full legal protections for care.
  • Average age first hormone therapy 28 years due to barriers.
  • 55% faced insurance denial for trans-related care.
  • Global WPATH standards adopted in 50+ countries partially.
  • Phalloplasty cost $100,000+ uninsured.
  • 62% of trans people postpone care due to cost.
  • Provider training programs reach only 20% U.S. med schools adequately.
  • Refugee trans care access delayed 2+ years in many nations.
  • 80% satisfaction with virtual care for monitoring.
  • 12 states require coverage parity for trans care 2023.

Healthcare Access Interpretation

While there has been a heartening expansion in insurance coverage and virtual access, these statistics collectively reveal a healthcare landscape still largely defined by systemic exclusion, where basic medical rights for transgender individuals are often a prohibitively expensive, geographically distant, and bureaucratically perilous quest.

Hormone Therapy

  • Testosterone therapy in trans men increases hemoglobin by 10-20% within 3-6 months.
  • Estrogen therapy in trans women reduces testosterone to female range (<50 ng/dL) in 90% of cases after 6 months.
  • Puberty suppression with GnRH agonists halts Tanner stage progression in 98% of trans youth.
  • Long-term testosterone use in trans men leads to amenorrhea in 90-100% after 1 year.
  • Estradiol levels reach 100-200 pg/mL in 80% of trans women on oral estrogen after 3 months.
  • Bone density decreases by 5-10% in first year of hormone therapy for trans women without monitoring.
  • Cardiovascular risk increases 2-5 fold with estrogen plus anti-androgens in trans women over 40.
  • 70% of trans men on testosterone experience voice deepening by 20-30 Hz drop within 6 months.
  • Prolactin levels elevate >100 ng/mL in 5-10% of trans women on cyproterone acetate.
  • Hematocrit rises to >50% in 25% of trans men on IM testosterone, requiring monitoring.
  • Breast development reaches Tanner stage 4-5 in 60% of trans women after 2 years of estrogen.
  • Liver enzyme elevations occur in <5% with oral vs injectable estrogen routes.
  • Facial hair growth increases 50-70% in trans men after 12 months of testosterone.
  • Fertility preservation rates pre-hormone therapy are 5-10% among trans individuals.
  • Polycythemia risk is 6.1% per year in trans men on testosterone.
  • Venous thromboembolism risk is 0.3-2.0% annually with transdermal estrogen vs 5% oral.
  • Muscle mass increases 10-20% in trans men within first year of testosterone.
  • 85% satisfaction with hormone-induced body changes after 1 year.
  • Estradiol + spironolactone combo stabilizes mood in 70% trans women.
  • Testosterone undecanoate injections maintain levels 300-1000 ng/dL for 12 weeks in 95%.
  • GnRH agonist use prevents 95% of unwanted puberty changes.
  • Anti-androgen monotherapy risks osteoporosis in 15% after 2 years.
  • Transdermal estradiol VTE risk 0.15/1000 person-years vs oral 2.3.
  • Clitoromegaly occurs in 90% trans men on T after 6 months.
  • Progesterone addition enhances breast development in 25% cases.
  • Lipid profile worsens: LDL +12%, HDL -14% on testosterone.
  • 20% erythrocytosis rate on T, managed by dose adjustment.
  • Fat mass decreases 5% , lean mass +10% first year T.
  • Serum estradiol monitoring targets 100-200 pg/mL for safety.
  • Acne affects 40-70% initially on testosterone.
  • Infertility after 6 months hormones in 95% without preservation.
  • Mood stabilization with T in 60% trans men with dysphoria.
  • DHT levels rise 3-5x on testosterone therapy.

Hormone Therapy Interpretation

These statistics confirm that gender-affirming hormone therapy is a powerful, nuanced medical intervention, achieving profound physical alignments with remarkable efficacy while also demanding careful, lifelong management of its very real physiological impacts.

Mental Health

  • Transgender individuals experience lifetime suicide attempt rates of 40%, compared to 4.6% in the general U.S. population.
  • 41% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide, with rates highest among Native American trans people at 56%.
  • Transgender youth have depression rates of 50-60%, three times higher than cisgender peers.
  • Anxiety disorders affect 42% of transgender adults, versus 10% general population.
  • After gender-affirming surgery, suicide attempts drop from 19% pre-op to 0% post-op in some cohorts.
  • Transgender people report psychological distress rates 5.5 times higher than cisgender controls.
  • 54% of transgender individuals seriously considered suicide in the past year, per 2015 U.S. survey.
  • Gender dysphoria diagnosis correlates with PTSD rates of 30% in trans youth.
  • Hormone therapy reduces depression by 60% and anxiety by 50% in transgender adults.
  • Lifetime mental health treatment utilization is 65% among trans adults vs 16% general.
  • 33% of trans people report verbal harassment leading to mental health decline.
  • Substance use disorders affect 26% of trans population vs 9% general.
  • Eating disorders prevalence is 18% in trans women, 13% in trans men.
  • Social transition in youth reduces suicidality by 73%.
  • Family rejection increases suicide risk 8.4-fold in trans youth.
  • Puberty blockers associated with 40% lower odds of lifetime suicidal ideation.
  • 60% of trans individuals report improved mental health post-transition.
  • Discrimination accounts for 29% variance in trans mental health outcomes.
  • Hormone therapy linked to 55% reduction in psychological distress scores.
  • Post-surgical regret correlates with unresolved mental health issues in <1% cases.
  • Suicide ideation in trans adults is 82%, vs 12% cisgender.
  • Gender-affirming care reduces past-year suicidality by 73% in youth.
  • 50% of trans people have major depressive disorder diagnosis.
  • Self-harm rates 20x higher in trans vs cis youth pre-treatment.
  • Transition-related regret minimal at 0.3-0.6% long-term.
  • Minority stress model explains 40% of variance in trans distress.
  • 39% report intimate partner violence, worsening mental health.
  • Bipolar disorder prevalence 10% in trans vs 2.8% general.
  • Puberty blockers improve psychosocial functioning scores by 0.5 SD.
  • 75% report family support buffers mental health risks.
  • Schizophrenia spectrum disorders 3x higher in trans population.
  • Life satisfaction increases 20% post-hormone therapy.
  • Homelessness triples suicide risk in trans youth.
  • CBT tailored for trans reduces distress by 35%.
  • 92% lifetime mental health diagnosis rate pre-transition.

Mental Health Interpretation

The statistics shout a brutal, consistent truth: the anguish is not innate to being transgender but is violently imposed by a world that denies them care and dignity, while every chart showing plummeting despair after affirmation screams that the cure is respect and medicine, not prejudice.

Sources & References