GLBTQ health Flashcards
Definitions
Sexual orientation not same as gender
Sexual orientation
individual’s attraction to same and/or opposite sex
Sexual gender
internal sense of being male/female/other
Transgender
self identity and general sense of sense does not conform to one’s physical gender
Transsexual
person who has undergone treatment to become recognizable as opposite sex
Gender non-conforming
not corresponding to usual male/female identity of that culture
Gender dysphoria
biologic gender does not align with gender identity and causes distress
- the physical and psychological mismatch is not pathologic, but the stress it causes is
Mental health issues
high incidence of anxiety and depression disorders, not inherent to being transgender
Children and gender dysphoria
symptoms can be as early as 2
- vary in severity –> associated with anxiety, depression, autism
Many resolve with puberty (majority)
Adolescents and gender dysphoria
body aversion increases as secondary sex characteristics develop -> usually have it as child
- may desire hormone therapy
- need evaluation by mental health provider
- treatment/counseling/education for ALL involved
Treatment of gender dysphoria
physical transition –> hormones/surgery
psychotherapy –> integrate and accept gender identity
Pubertal Suppression
fully reversible, delays development of 2nd sex changes
- provides time to explore gender identity before permanent changes occur
- GnRH analogues or progesterone therapy to suppress pituitary hormones and testosterone production
Hormone Therapy
suppresses ovulation and sperm production
- many obtain it illegally
- must have diagnosis of gender dysphoria in order to receive hormone therapy
Providing care for GLBT
standardize the care –> don’t treat them any different but be aware of their circumstances
Intersex individuals
there is variation in sex determination
always check the baby’s genitalia
never remove the newborn’s genitalia tissue
