Prevalence, Incidence, and Sex Ratio of Transsexualism in the Autonomous Region of Madrid (Spain) According to Healthcare Demand.

In recent years, different studies have provided estimates of the prevalence of transsexualism with very diverse results. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the prevalence, incidence, and sex ratio of transsexualism in the autonomous region of Madrid (Spain). A total of 1234 patients who attended from 2007 to the end of 2015 in the only Gender Identity Unit (GIU) in Madrid were analyzed. Sixty-three patients were excluded for various reasons; thus, 1171 could be included: 803 male-to-female (MtF) and 368 female-to-male (FtM) transsexual patients. Transsexualism was diagnosed based on the ICD-10, World Health Organization, 1992, and/or gender identity disorder based on the DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Association, 2000. The demographic statistics were calculated on the basis of the population over 15 years old of Madrid. Based on healthcare demand, the prevalence of transsexualism was 22.1 in 100,000 inhabitants: 31.2 for MtF and 12.9 for FtM, making the MtF/FtM ratio approximately 2.2:1. The incidence rate was 2.5 in 100,000 inhabitants, representing an annual average of 130 demands. Although transsexualism occurs in all countries with different rates of prevalence, in our area, this prevalence was higher than reported from other European countries. We believe that two main circumstances might influence this high prevalence: the easy accessibility and the absence of a waiting list to the GIU, and the permissive social and legal climate and openness of Spain, especially in Madrid.

Documento de posicionamiento: disforia de género en la infancia y la adolescencia. Grupo de Identidad y Diferenciación Sexual de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (GIDSEEN) / Position statement: Gender dysphoria in childhood and adolescence. Working Group on Gender Identity and Sexual Development of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (GIDSEEN)

La disforia de género (DG) en la infancia y adolescencia es una condición compleja, siendo importante la detección precoz y el tratamiento integral, ya que con ello se mejora la calidad de vida, disminuye la comorbilidad mental y la propia DG. En este documento de posicionamiento, el Grupo de Identidad y Diferenciación Sexual de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (GIDSEEN), integrado por especialistas de Endocrinología, Psicología, Psiquiatría, Pediatría y Sociología, establece unas recomendaciones sobre la evaluación y tratamiento de la DG en niños y adolescentes. El manejo interdisciplinar de la DG debe llevarse a cabo en unidades con equipos especializados (UTIG) y considerando que cualquier intervención sanitaria debe seguir los principios del rigor científico, la experiencia acumulada, los principios éticos y deontológicos y la prudencia necesaria ante tratamientos crónicos, agresivos e irreversibles

Gender dysphoria (GD) in childhood and adolescence is a complex condition where early detection and comprehensive treatment are essential to improve quality of life, decrease mental comorbidity, and improve GD. In this position statement, the Working Group on Gender Identity and Sexual Development of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (GIDSEEN), consisting of specialists in Endocrinology, Psychology, Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Sociology, sets out recommendations for evaluation and treatment of GD in children and adolescents. Interdisciplinary management of GD should be carried out at specialized units (UTIGs), considering that any clinical intervention should follow the principles of scientific rigor, experience, ethical and deontological principles, and the necessary caution in front of chronic, aggressive, and irreversible treatments

Position statement: Gender dysphoria in childhood and adolescence. Working Group on Gender Identity and Sexual Development of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (GIDSEEN).

Gender dysphoria (GD) in childhood and adolescence is a complex condition where early detection and comprehensive treatment are essential to improve quality of life, decrease mental comorbidity, and improve GD. In this position statement, the Working Group on Gender Identity and Sexual Development of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (GIDSEEN), consisting of specialists in Endocrinology, Psychology, Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Sociology, sets out recommendations for evaluation and treatment of GD in children and adolescents. Interdisciplinary management of GD should be carried out at specialized units (UTIGs), considering that any clinical intervention should follow the principles of scientific rigor, experience, ethical and deontological principles, and the necessary caution in front of chronic, aggressive, and irreversible treatments.

Prevalencia de hiperandrogenismo y síndrome de ovario poliquístico en transexuales de mujer a hombre / Prevalence of hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary syndrome in female to male transsexuals

INTRODUCCIÓN: La prevalencia de hiperandrogenismo (HA), que incluye el síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP), es alta en los pacientes transexuales de mujer a hombre (TMH). Este hecho se ha relacionado con el síndrome metabólico (SM), lo que parece aumentar la morbimortalidad cardiovascular a lo largo del tratamiento hormonal cruzado (THC). OBJETIVOS: Determinar la prevalencia de HA y SOP en pacientes TMH antes del inicio del THC, y su asociación con el SM y sus componentes, la insulinorresistencia (IR) y otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular (RCV). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Setenta y siete TMH fueron valorados clínica y analíticamente para HA antes de iniciar el THC. También se determinaron los factores de RCV, la IR y otros parámetros del SM. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de HA fue del 49,4% (el 73,7% de ellos con SOP [criterios de Rotterdam]), y del total de la muestra el 36,4% presentaron SOP. La prevalencia global de SM fue del 38,4 y 51,7% (criterios ATP-III e IDF, respectivamente). Los pacientes con HA frente a aquellos sin HA presentaban SM (criterios ATP-III e IDF, respectivamente) en el 36,8 y 57,9% frente al 25,6 y 41% (p < 0,0001 y p < 0,01, respectivamente). El 54,5% de los pacientes tenía normopeso (índice de masa corporal [IMC] 18,5-24,9 kg/m2), el 26% sobrepeso (IMC 25-29,9 kg/m2) y el 19,5% eran obesos (IMC ≥ 30 kg/m2). Al ajustar por el IMC la comparación de parámetros hormonales, metabólicos y antropométricos mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los valores de glucemia, HOMA-IR y perímetro abdominal (p < 0,001), así como en los de colesterol-HDL (HDL) (p = 0,033), pero no en las concentraciones de testosterona total o de testosterona libre calculada. Del total de la muestra el 27,3% presentaron niveles de HDL por debajo de 50mg/dl. CONCLUSIONES: El HA y el SOP son muy prevalentes en la población TMH. HA y SOP se relacionan con el desarrollo temprano de SM, IR y otros factores de RCV, de consecuencias desconocidas en la edad adulta

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of hyperandrogenism (HA), including the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in female-to-male transsexuals (FMT) is high. This has been related to metabolic syndrome (MS), which appears to increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality throughout cross-sex hormone (CSH) therapy. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of HA and PCOS in FMT patients before the start of CSH therapy, and their association to MS and its components, insulin resistance (IR) and other cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven FMTs underwent clinical and biochemical assessment for HA before the start of CSH therapy. CVR, IR, and other MS parameters were also assessed. RESULTS: Prevalence of HA was 49.4% (73.7% were cases of PCOS [Rotterdam criteria]), and prevalence of PCOS in the overall sample was 36.4%. Prevalence of MS was 38.4% and 51.7% according to ATP-III and IDF criteria respectively). MS (according to ATP-III and IDF criteria respectively) was found in 36.8% and 57.9% as compared to 25.6% and 41% of patients with and without HA respectively (p < 0.0001 and P < 0.01 respectively). Of total patients, 54.5% had normal weight (body mass index [BMI] 18.5-24.9 kg.m-2), 26% were overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg.m-2), and 19.5% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg.m-2). After adjusting for BMI, the comparison of hormonal, metabolic, and anthropometric parameters showed statistically significant differences in plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, and abdominal circumference (P < 0.001 for all), as well as HDL cholesterol (HDL) (P = 0.033), but not in total testosterone or calculated free testosterone levels. In the total sample, 27.3% had HDL levels less than 50mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: Overall HA, and PCOS in particular, are highly prevalent in FMTs. HA and PCOS are related to early development of SM, IR, and other CVR factors with unknown consequences in adulthood

Prevalence of hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary syndrome in female to male transsexuals.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of hyperandrogenism (HA), including the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in female-to-male transsexuals (FMT) is high. This has been related to metabolic syndrome (MS), which appears to increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality throughout cross-sex hormone (CSH) therapy. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of HA and PCOS in FMT patients before the start of CSH therapy, and their association to MS and its components, insulin resistance (IR) and other cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven FMTs underwent clinical and biochemical assessment for HA before the start of CSH therapy. CVR, IR, and other MS parameters were also assessed. RESULTS: Prevalence of HA was 49.4% (73.7% were cases of PCOS [Rotterdam criteria]), and prevalence of PCOS in the overall sample was 36.4%. Prevalence of MS was 38.4% and 51.7% according to ATP-III and IDF criteria respectively). MS (according to ATP-III and IDF criteria respectively) was found in 36.8% and 57.9% as compared to 25.6% and 41% of patients with and without HA respectively (p<0.0001 and P<0.01 respectively). Of total patients, 54.5% had normal weight (body mass index [BMI] 18.5-24.9 kg.m(-2)), 26% were overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg.m(-2)), and 19.5% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg.m(-2)). After adjusting for BMI, the comparison of hormonal, metabolic, and anthropometric parameters showed statistically significant differences in plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, and abdominal circumference (P<0.001 for all), as well as HDL cholesterol (HDL) (P=0.033), but not in total testosterone or calculated free testosterone levels. In the total sample, 27.3% had HDL levels less than 50mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: Overall HA, and PCOS in particular, are highly prevalent in FMTs. HA and PCOS are related to early development of SM, IR, and other CVR factors with unknown consequences in adulthood.

Perfil psicológico de personas transexuales en tratamiento / Psychological profile of transgender people under treatment

Introducción: La transexualidad es un campo emergente dentro de la atención sanitaria. Por ello, está llena de tópicos. Dos de los mitos más extendidos acerca de las personas transexuales es que presentan graves alteraciones psicopatológicas y que son personas sumamente infelices. Objetivo: El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue estudiar el perfil psicológico de los pacientes transexuales. Especialmente, se quiso comprobar la presencia de rasgos psicopatológicos en el perfil de personalidad. Por otro lado, también se deseaba evaluar la presencia de problemas de depresión. Un segundo objetivo fue buscar diferencias en el perfil según el sexo (transexuales de hombre a mujer o de mujer a hombre). Material y método: El presente estudio tuvo un diseño transversal. Los pacientes fueron seleccionados consecutivamente por orden de acceso a la unidad de trastornos de identidad de género al inicio del estudio. La muestra se formó con 121 pacientes de la Unidad de Trastornos de Identidad de Género de Madrid. Todos acabaron el estudio. El criterio de entrada fue tener el diagnóstico de transexualidad. Se les aplicaron test psicológicos: la Entrevista diagnóstica de identidad de género, el Cuestionario general de salud de Goldberg, el Cuestionario de competencia emocional, la Escala de bienestar psicológico, la Escala de satisfacción con la vida, la Escala de felicidad subjetiva, el nuevo Inventario de personalidad NEO y el Inventario clínico multiaxial de Millon III. Resultados: Se encontró un alto bienestar psicológico. No se encontraron alteraciones psicopatológicas significativas. Se encontraron pocas aunque llamativas diferencias por sexos. Finalmente, apareció un único factor significativo en su perfil de personalidad. Conclusiones: Las personas transexuales no tienen un perfil psicopatológico de personalidad, y hay pocas pero significativas diferencias por sexos (AU)

Introduction: Transsexualism is an emergent field in healthcare and consequently is plagued by stereotypes. Two of the most widespread misconceptions are that transgender people have serious psychopathological disorders and that they are less happy than the general population. Objective: The main aim of this study was to characterize the psychological profile of transgender people and, in particular, the presence of psychopathological features in their personality profile. The presence of depressive features was also investigated. A second aim was to assess the differences in psychological profile between the s exes (female-to-male or male-to-females transgender people). Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out. The patients were selected consecutively according to their order of access to the Gender Identity Disorder Unit (GIDU) of Madrid at the beginning of the study. The sample was composed of 121 patients from the GIDU. All patients completed the study. The access criterion was a diagnosis of transsexualism. The patients were administered the following psychological tests: Gender Identity Diagnosis Interview, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Emotional Competence Questionnaire, Psychological well-being Scale, Life Satisfaction Scale, Subjective Happiness Scale, the NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III). Outcomes: The subjects showed a high level of well-being. No serious psychopathological alterations were found. Differences between sexes were few but striking. Only one significant factor was found in the subjects’ personality profile. Conclusions: Transgender people do not have a psychopathological personality profile. The differences between sexes are few but important (AU)