Adolescent gender dysphoria management: position paper from the Italian Academy of Pediatrics, the Italian Society of Pediatrics, the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, the Italian Society of Adolescent Medicine and the Italian Society of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry

Abstract

Background

In response to the imperative need for standardized support for adolescent Gender Dysphoria (GD), the Italian Academy of Pediatrics, in collaboration with the Italian Society of Pediatrics, the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Italian Society of Adolescent Medicine and Italian Society of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry is drafting a position paper. The purpose of this paper is to convey the author's opinion on the topic, offering foundational information on potential aspects of gender-affirming care and emphasizing the care and protection of children and adolescents with GD.

Main body

Recognizing that adolescents may choose interventions based on their unique needs and goals and understanding that every individual within this group has a distinct trajectory, it is crucial to ensure that each one is welcomed and supported. The approach to managing individuals with GD is a multi-stage process involving a multidisciplinary team throughout all phases. Decisions regarding treatment should be reached collaboratively by healthcare professionals and the family, while considering the unique needs and circumstances of the individual and be guided by scientific evidence rather than biases or ideologies. Politicians and high court judges should address discrimination based on gender identity in legislation and support service development that aligns with the needs of young people. It is essential to establish accredited multidisciplinary centers equipped with the requisite skills and experience to effectively manage adolescents with GD, thereby ensuring the delivery of high-quality care.

Conclusion

Maintaining an evidence-based approach is essential to safeguard the well-being of transgender and gender diverse adolescents.

Background

"Sex," or "natal gender," refers to a label, commonly "male" or "female," that is usually assigned at birth based on genetic and anatomical characteristics, including genital anatomy, chromosomes, and sex hormone levels. Conversely, "gender identity" is an individual's internal perception of their own identity, arising from a complex interplay of biological traits, developmental influences, and environmental factors. This identity may align with being male or female, fall somewhere in between, represent a combination of both, or exist outside the binary framework of gender altogether.

Gender identity, a fundamental aspect of self-perception, begins to emerge in early childhood and evolves throughout adolescence [1, 2]. Recent research indicates a growing number of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) young individuals identifying with a gender different from their assigned one at birth [3,4,5,6] Consequently, there's an escalating demand for gender-related care within pediatric healthcare systems. This demographic increasingly seeks assistance from pediatricians, pediatric endocrinologists, and primary care providers for gender-related and general health needs.

Gender-affirming care, which encompasses psychological, social, medical, and/or surgical interventions, necessitates a multidisciplinary approach at every stage [7].

Hormonal treatment may play a vital role in comprehensive gender-affirming care for some TGD individuals, sparking extensive debate and ethical discussions, particularly regarding its use in adolescents under 18. While concerns about the lack of evidence for such treatments persist, recent clinical evidence supports medical intervention in gender dysphoria (GD), challenging the neutrality of omitting or delaying treatment.

However, potential effects of suppressive treatment with GnRH analogs (GnRHa) on various aspects such as growth, skeletal development, neurodevelopment, fertility, and future surgical outcomes must be considered [8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17], as with any medical intervention. The National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden recently introduced updated guidelines for health services catering to children and adolescents with GD. The board stated that, as a collective, the risks associated with puberty blockers and gender-affirming treatment for adolescents with GD are likely to outweigh the anticipated benefits. They emphasized that decisions regarding treatment should be made on a case-by-case basis for each individual [18]. Therefore, facilitating fully informed discussions with TGD youth and families about the risks, benefits, and uncertainties of treatment options is crucial [19].

In response to the need for standardized support, the Italian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), in collaboration with the Italian Society of Pediatric (ISP), the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (ISPED), Italian Society of Adolescent Medicine (ISAM) and Italian Society of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry (ISCAN) is drafting a position paper. This paper aims to provide foundational information on potential components of gender-affirming care and ensure the care and protection of children and adolescents with GD, recognizing that individual adolescents may or may not choose these interventions based on their unique needs and goals.

Main text

Terminology

Initiating the discussion on sexual identity, a glossary serves as a foundational tool by offering definitions and elucidations to enrich the understanding and application of key terms. These terms encompass biological gender, gender identity, gender role, and sexual orientation, each outlined for significance in Table 1.

Table 1 Key terms related to gender, gender identity, expression, and sexuality [20]

Gender identity and sexual orientation, often conflated, represent distinct constructs that elude both professionals and laypersons alike. These two dimensions are, along with gender expression and sex assigned at birth part of the multidimensional construct of sexual identity [20]. Gender identity refers to an individual's internal perception of being a boy/man, a girl/woman, a blend of both, or neither, whereas sexual orientation concerns one's emotional and sexual attraction to others. Typically, gender identity begins to manifest earlier in life, often during toddlerhood, whereas awareness of sexual orientation typically emerges during early adolescence [21, 22].

According to Kohlberg’s theory of gender development, the process of self-identification as either a girl or boy unfolds across three stages [23]. At approximately 2–3 years of age, children grasp the concept of labeling themselves and others by sex (gender labeling). By ages three to four, they comprehend the stability of gender over time (gender stability). Finally, around ages four to five, children acknowledge that their sex remains constant across various situations (gender persistence) [24]. As children's sense of gender identity matures, they often exhibit increased attention to individuals of the same sex and aspire to emulate members of their own gender. However, a minority of children may develop a gender identity discordant with their assigned sex at birth.

Subsequently, an alternative theory emerged, proposing that gender stereotypes arise as a method of simplifying the vast amount of information encountered. Essentially, in the intricate world perceived by children, categorizing based on gender serves as a convenient strategy. Initially, children tend to rigidly adhere to these stereotypes, but as they mature, they become progressively more flexible [25]. Furthermore, according to Bandura's theory, a child's gender development is shaped by intricate interactions among behaviors, personal attributes, and environmental influences [26].

Definitions

When children and adolescents exhibit gender identity or expression incongruent with their biological sex, several main categories are recognized:

• Childhood Gender Diversity (CGD): Defined in the Standards of Care Version 8 by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) [20] CGD describes a phenomenon where prepubescent children display behaviors or expressions not typical for their assigned biological sex. It encompasses children who exhibit cross-gender behaviors or behaviors deviating from the expected sociocultural norms of their gender [27]. CGD is regarded as a natural variation of human gender expression.

• Gender Incongruence (GI): This term, used in the International Classification of Diseases-11th Revision (ICD-11), denotes a marked incongruence between an individual's experienced or expressed gender and their assigned sex [28]. The diagnosis of GI is not solely based on gender-variant behavior and preferences. Since 2018, GI has been reclassified out of mental health categories and into the section "Persons encountering health services in other circumstances" to reduce stigma associated with the condition and to grant the TGD persons the access to health pathways to affirm themselves, if needed.

• GI of Childhood: In prepubertal children (Tanner Stage 1), GI entails:

  • 1. A strong desire to be a different gender than the assigned sex.

  • 2. A strong dislike of the child’s own sexual anatomy or anticipated secondary sex characteristics, and/or a strong desire for primary and/or anticipated secondary sex characteristics that align with the experienced gender.

  • 3. Engagement in make-believe or fantasy play, toys, games, or activities, and preference for playmates typical of the experienced gender rather than the assigned sex. The incongruence must persist for about two years and cannot be diagnosed before the age of five.

• GI of Adolescence (and Adulthood): Characterized by marked and persistent incongruence between an individual's experienced gender and assigned sex, this often leads to a desire to "transition" - to live and be acknowledged as a person of the experienced gender. This transition may involve hormonal treatment, surgery, or other healthcare services to align the individual's body with their desired gender identity and to the extent possible, with the experienced gender. The diagnosis cannot be assigned before the onset of puberty.

• Gender dysphoria (GD) is formally diagnosed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Edition (DSM-5) and is characterized by a marked incongruence between one's experienced or expressed gender and their assigned gender, persisting for a minimum of six months. Additionally, to meet the diagnostic criteria, this incongruence must be accompanied by clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning [29]. The criteria for diagnosis differ between children and adolescents/adults.

• In children, GD is identified by the manifestation of at least six of the following criteria (with the first criterion being mandatory):

  • 1. A strong desire to be of the other gender or insistence on being another gender (or a gender different from one's assigned gender).

  • 2. In boys (assigned gender), a strong preference for cross-dressing or mimicking female attire; or in girls (assigned gender), a strong preference for exclusively wearing typical masculine clothing and significant resistance to typical feminine attire.

  • 3. A strong inclination towards cross-gender roles in make-believe or fantasy play.

  • 4. A strong preference for toys, games, or activities stereotypically associated with the opposite gender.

  • 5. A strong preference for playmates of the opposite gender.

  • 6. In boys (assigned gender), a strong rejection of typically masculine toys, games, and activities, coupled with a notable avoidance of rough-and-tumble play; or in girls (assigned gender), a strong rejection of typically feminine toys, games, and activities.

  • 7. A significant dislike of one's sexual anatomy.

  • 8. A strong desire for physical sex characteristics that align with one's experienced gender.

• In adolescents (and adults), GD is identified by the presence of at least two of the following criteria:

  • 1. A marked incongruence between one's experienced or expressed gender and primary and/or secondary sex characteristics (or, in young adolescents, anticipated secondary sex characteristics).

  • 2. A strong desire to remove one's primary and/or secondary sex characteristics due to a marked incongruence with one's experienced or expressed gender (or, in young adolescents, a desire to prevent the development of anticipated secondary sex characteristics).

  • 3. A strong desire for primary and/or secondary sex characteristics of the opposite gender.

  • 4. A strong desire to be of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender)

  • 5. A strong desire to be treated as the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender)

  • 6. A strong conviction that one has the typical feelings and reactions of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender)

It should be clarified whether the aforementioned criteria also encompass individuals with disorders of sex development (e.g., congenital adrenal hyperplasia or androgen insensitivity syndrome).

According to the DSM-5, it is explicitly stated that 'gender non-conformity is not inherently a mental disorder.' Therefore, gender variance itself is not pathological, but rather dysphoria arises from the distress caused by incongruence between one's body and mind and/or the societal marginalization of gender-variant individuals [27]. Being transgender or gender variant implies no impairment in judgment, stability, reliability, or general social or vocational capabilities; however, these individuals often experience discrimination due to a lack of civil rights protections for their gender identity or expression. Such discrimination damages to the mental health of transgender and gender variant individuals.

Healthcare providers and others who work with and advocate for youth are encouraged to acknowledge the unique needs of this population and serve as allies by striving to establish safe spaces for young people. Furthermore, families, school personnel, and community members can offer essential support to mitigate challenges, to promote the healthy development and to protect the human rights of these youth [30].

Population estimates

The proportion of TGD children and adolescents is reported to range from 1.2% to 2.7%, depending on factors such as the composition of the study cohort, age demographics, and methodological approach [20]; including broader manifestations of gender diversity, such as gender incongruence or gender ambivalence, the corresponding proportions are higher (8.4% among children and adolescents) [20].

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of children and adolescents seeking support for GD and GI [3,4,5,6]. However, this increase is likely only apparent and presumably a result of a decrease in social stigma, which is associated with an improvement in knowledge and services [31]. Notably, not all individuals with GI characteristics in childhood necessarily exhibit symptoms of GD. A notable shift in the sex ratio of clinically referred adolescents has accompanied the increase in referrals, with more assigned female at birth (AFAB) young people now seeking help compared to assigned male at birth (AMAB) [5].

GD can have an early onset and manifest as early as preschool age with variable clinical outcomes [32]. Studies suggest that the majority of gender diverse children (up to 84%) revert to the gender congruent with the sex assigned at birth when they reach puberty (so called “desisters”) [33].

Conversely, in the case of adolescents where GD is persistent since childhood and worsens with the onset of puberty (“persisters”), it is less likely to resolve without any gender affirmation intervention. It should be emphasized, however, that in various adolescents with GD, there are no previous instances of non-conforming gender behaviors in childhood [34].

Rationale for medical treatment in adolescents

GD in adolescence is often associated with emotional and behavioral issues, an increased risk of substance abuse [35,36,37,38,39,40], self-harm [38], a high suicide rate [38, 41], and the co-occurrence of psychiatric problems (depression, anxiety, dissatisfaction with body image, low self-esteem, dissociative symptoms) [42], autism spectrum disorders [43,44,45], as well as dissatisfaction in personal and social relationships [46]. Violence and victimization, including sexual assault, dating violence, and bullying, are also common experiences for young individuals with GD [47, 48].

According to reports, the onset of puberty, with its significant bodily changes, marks the most pivotal and distressing period for individuals grappling with GD [49]. Adolescence itself represents a particularly sensitive phase in the journey of self-identification and identity formation [50]. For adolescents with GD, this period presents even more intricate challenges as they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood while coping with the incongruence between their gender identity and their changing bodies. Puberty is often experienced by adolescents with GD as a natural disaster, disrupting their bodily and gender integrity [49]. The physical transformations during puberty create hurdles for adolescents in maintaining alignment with their experienced gender identity.

A cautious "wait and see" approach with regard to the medical treatment during pre-pubertal years is recommended by guidelines, as in many cases of early-onset GD, the condition tends to regress with the onset of puberty [33]. Families should receive support in comprehending the potential transient nature of this condition, challenging their personal stigmas surrounding gender variance, and emphasizing the significance of fostering a supportive parent-child relationship. Medical treatment is guided by the assessment of goals and the evaluation of risks and benefits. Pubertal adolescents may experience relief through the reduction of secondary sex characteristics such as breasts and facial hair. Currently, there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for psychological support for children and adolescents with GD. Psychological interventions aimed at altering gender identity have been found to be ineffective and are widely considered unethical [51]. Although there is a shortage of rigorous studies comparing psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy-based approaches, and psychosocial therapy for anxiety and depression, which are the two most prevalent comorbid diagnoses, they could still be provided as treatment options. Pubertal suppression with GnRHa appears to be an effective means to mitigate distress in these cases.

Therapeutic approach

The therapeutic approach to managing individuals with GD is a multi-stage process involving a multidisciplinary team throughout all phases. The comprehensive pathway may include gender-related care and social transition, puberty suppression (PS), gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT), and gender-affirming surgery

Stage 1: gender-related care and social transition

The management of individuals with GD, benefiting from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team during the initial diagnostic phase, should be comprehensive [20, 52]. As recommended by Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), this team should comprise various professionals such as child and adolescent neuropsychiatrists, pediatric endocrinologists, developmental psychologists, and bioethicists to determine the most suitable treatment plan [53]; however, such a multi-specialist team is not required by the WPATH [20] or the Endocrine Society [54]. Guidelines advocate against immediate therapy initiation, instead recommending psychological follow-up to monitor progress and provide support to the individual and their family. This approach emphasizes a thorough exploration of gender identity [20, 52].

The multidisciplinary team should convene regularly, and after excluding alternative diagnoses, establish therapeutic goals collaboratively.

The initial stage of the therapeutic process, known as the 'social transition,' involves permitting the adolescents to live in their own affirmed gender, informing individuals within the child/adolescent's social circle about their decision to embark on a gender transition. During this phase, the individual may select a name corresponding to their gender identity and adopts the social role associated with that gender, including clothing and behavior [20, 52, 55].

The timing for commencing this social transition should be agreed upon collaboratively between the healthcare professionals and the family, taking into consideration individual sensitivities and prioritizing the overall psychophysical well-being of the individual [55]. Based on the high desistence rates, some advise being cautious in allowing young children to present in their affirmed gender. The worry is that social transition may make it difficult for children to de-transition and thus increase the odds of later unnecessary medical transition [56]. However, there is no evidence that social transition per se leads to unnecessary medical transition. Thus social transition should be seen as a tool to determine the appropriate trajectory for each individual child, with desistence being one potential outcome [56].

In cases of pubertal onset or persistent GD, pharmacological puberty suppression therapy may be considered [20, 52].

Stage 2: puberty suppression

In accordance with guidelines, the use of GnRHa to suppress the reproductive axis is deemed appropriate for halting the development of secondary sexual characteristics incongruent with the individual's gender, thereby alleviating distress associated with GD [20, 52].

The decision to initiate puberty suppression therapy should be carefully deliberated by the multidisciplinary team, with consideration given to the unique needs and circumstances of the individual with GD.

The Standards of Care by WPATH outline specific criteria for administering puberty-blocking agents:

• 1. Persistent and significant gender diversity/incongruence over time.

• 2. Meeting diagnostic criteria for gender incongruence where necessary for accessing healthcare.

• 3. Demonstrating emotional and cognitive maturity for informed consent/assent.

• 4. Addressing any mental health concerns that may affect diagnostic clarity or consent for treatment.

• 5. Being informed about reproductive implications, including potential fertility loss and options for preservation.

• 6. Reaching Tanner stage 2 of pubertal development.

Treatment typically involves administering 3.75 mg of intramuscular triptorelin every 28 days, initiating gonadotropin suppression after an initial flare-up. A supplemental dose may be given in the first month to expedite receptor desensitization.

Therapy generally starts between the ages of 11-15 (mean age 14.5±1 years) and continues until around age 16 when GAHT typically commences (mean age 16.2±1 years) [57]. If adolescents need to affirm themselves in their assigned gender at birth, discontinuing GnRHa treatment will result in the resumption of their biological puberty. Suspension of pharmacological treatment may also occur if individuals and their families do not adhere to the psychological process or miss appointments with endocrinologists.

As detailed in Table 2, monitoring before and during GnRHa therapy typically involves assessments every 3-6 months for the first year. This includes auxological measurements (weight, height, body mass index, pubertal assessment), blood pressure checks, and hormonal evaluations (LH, FSH, estradiol/testosterone, prolactin) alongside assessments of bone health such as bone age, bone density evaluations and body composition through Dual Energy X-rays Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, to be conducted every 12 months and as needed based on clinical requirements [52, 58].

Table 2 Clinical, biochemical and instrumental assessments before and during treatment with GnRH analogue

In case of vitamin and microelement deficiency and/or sign of decreased bone mineralization, supplementary therapy should be started.

Before commencing GnRHa therapy, individuals who have reached post-pubertal stages may be offered the option of sperm or oocyte retrieval and preservation. In birth-assigned males at Tanner stage 3, ejaculation or electro-ejaculation may yield adequate sperm for storage. For birth-assigned females, oocyte harvesting is only feasible if they have experienced menarche.

For young individuals who begin GnRHa therapy at Tanner stage 2 and proceed with gender-affirming hormones, neither sperm production nor menstruation will occur, making gamete cryopreservation impractical. If individuals later decide to preserve fertility post-GnRHa initiation, it may take 6 months or more for the reproductive axis to recover, with reproductive capacity similar to that at the onset of treatment. However, many young individuals and families, after informed consent, may opt not to pursue fertility preservation.

Stage 3: gender-affirming hormonal treatment

Following GnRHa treatment, synthetic sex steroids are introduced to induce the development of secondary sexual characteristics associated with the affirmed gender. Criteria for accessing GAHT align with those for GnRHa treatment [20]. GAHT might also be started without previous GnRHa treatment in adolescents older than 16 years with completed puberty [59]; in this case, preservation options should also be offered before starting treatment.

Two treatment regimens are considered: induction of a "new" puberty with doses typical for prepubertal hypogonadal adolescents if GnRHa treatment commenced during early Tanner stages, or initiation at higher doses gradually escalated for physically mature individuals. GnRHa treatment need not be administered in supraphysiological doses to suppress endogenous sex steroid production [52].

For transgender girls, natural 17-beta-estradiol is preferred over synthetic estrogens due to its lower thrombogenic risk. The initial dosage is 5 mcg/kg/day, incrementally increased every 6 months until reaching a maintenance dosage of 2–4 mg. In transgender girls who initiated treatment in the late pubertal stage, estrogens can be initiated at a dosage of 1 mg, followed by an increase to 2 mg after 6 months. Transgender girls require continued gonadal suppression until gonadectomy. GnRHa are preferred over other anti-androgens such as cyproterone acetate or spironolactone [52]. As there is no available data on the effectiveness of exogenous synthetic sex steroids in suppressing the gonadal axis during puberty, GnRHa should be continued until gonadectomy, especially when initiated in early puberty

For transgender boys, testosterone esters injections are recommended for pubertal induction. The starting dosage is 25 mg/m² every 2 weeks intramuscularly, increased to 25 mg/m² every 6 months. The maintenance dosages vary from 200 mg per 2 weeks for testosterone monoesters, such as testosterone enanthate, to 250 mg im per 3–4 weeks for testosterone esters mixture [52]. For transgender boys who initiated treatment in the late pubertal stage, testosterone can be initiated at a dosage of 75 mg intramuscularly every 2 weeks, followed by the maintenance dosage after 6 months. It is recommended to maintain GnRHa treatment at least until the maintenance dosage of testosterone is reached and preferable to continue until gonadectomy [52].

During this phase of the transition process (and subsequently during adulthood, as hormone therapy is lifelong), it is necessary to undergo regular monitoring, both from a clinical and laboratory/instrumental standpoint. Although hormone therapy in transgender individuals is safe when conducted under close medical supervision, the onset of side effects cannot be excluded, and patients must be adequately informed before starting it. Among the side effects to consider are decreased insulin sensitivity, weight gain, slight increases in hemoglobin and hematocrit, and decreased HDL cholesterol in transgender males undergoing testosterone therapy [54, 60,61,62]. It should be noted that an increased risk of thromboembolic events has been reported in male-to-female-transitioning individuals [54, 60,61,62].Nevertheless, all subjects should be informed about the effects of hormone treatment on fertility, particularly regarding the prolonged exposure of testicles to estrogen, which has been associated with testicular damage, and the uncertain effect of prolonged treatment with exogenous testosterone on ovarian function.

Stage 4: gender-affirming surgery

The aim of gender-affirming surgery is to align physical characteristics with the affirmed gender, with genital appearance as natural as possible. However, not all transgender or gender-incongruent individuals seek surgical interventions.

As per guidelines from the WPATH [20], criteria for gender-affirming surgery include:

• 1. Persistent and significant gender diversity/incongruence over time.

• 2. Meeting diagnostic criteria for gender incongruence when necessary for healthcare access.

• 3. Demonstrating emotional and cognitive maturity for informed consent/assent.

• 4. Addressing any mental health concerns that may affect diagnostic clarity or consent for treatment, ensuring optimal provision of gender-affirming medical treatment.

• 5. Being informed about reproductive implications, including potential fertility loss and available fertility preservation options.

• 6. Undergoing at least 12 months of gender-affirming hormone therapy, or longer if needed, to achieve desired surgical outcomes for gender-affirming procedures, such as breast augmentation, orchiectomy, vaginoplasty, hysterectomy, phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, and facial surgery [52].

Generally, gender-affirming surgery is recommended after the age of 18 [20].

Common surgical procedures for trans men include mastectomy, genital surgeries like salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy, and neopenis creation with implantation of erectile and testicular prostheses. For trans women, typical surgeries include breast augmentation, facial feminization procedures, thyroid cartilage reduction, and genital surgeries like gonadectomy, penectomy, and neovagina creation [52].

Focus on the use of GnRH agonist in adolescents with gender dysphoria

The utilization of suppressive therapy with GnRH remains a highly debated aspect in the treatment of GD in pediatric patients. Hence, it is considered pertinent to dedicate special attention to this topic within the framework of this position paper.

Details on the introduction of GnRHa treatment in gender dysphoria

The initial protocol for using GnRHa in adolescents originated in the Netherlands in the 1990s, often referred to as "the Dutch protocol" or "the Dutch approach." It combines psychological support with medical interventions [59, 63]. Since then, pubertal suppression (PS) with GnRHa has been recommended by major national and international scientific societies [20, 54]. The first Italian paper on PS in adolescents with gender dysphoria, endorsed by national scientific societies, was published a decade ago [64].

During the initial phase of seeking medical assistance, individuals undergo psycho-diagnostic assessment for gender dysphoria. Eligible adolescents undergo PS as part of an extended diagnostic process [64]. GnRHa act by temporarily desensitizing the GnRH receptor, allowing for spontaneous resumption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis after discontinuation [41, 65]. This treatment temporarily halts further pubertal progression, providing time for diagnostics and mental health evaluation, with extensive experience in young children with central precocious puberty [65], where pubertal suppression is fully reversible.

The potential benefits of using GnRHa, as outlined by the Italian Committee for Bioethics [66] in 2018, include:

• 1. Enabling the medical team to "widen the diagnostic window," allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of issues related to the adolescent's gender identity and facilitating the maturation of the individual's awareness, free from the discomfort associated with pubertal development.

• 2. Prevention of irreversible physical changes of puberty in those in early puberty (Tanner stage 2-3), which can cause significant distress for adolescents with gender dysphoria.

• 3. Providing the opportunity, if the adolescent proceeds to affirming medical interventions, to avoid physical changes, potentially reducing the need for hormones and less invasive surgical procedures in the future (>16 years) and preventing adolescents from resorting to risky behaviors such as self-administration of online-purchased drugs without proper oversight and monitoring.

Furthermore, since GnRHa do not induce permanent physical changes, they serve as a reversible intervention if the adolescent decides to detransition or retransition, allowing for the restoration of sexual development according to the sex assigned at birth.

GnRHa can be also initiated in Tanner stage 4–5 of puberty or in post-pubertal adolescents, halting menstruation or erections and potentially preventing further development of secondary sex characteristics. As a matter of fact, the mean age at start of GnRHa is quite late (14.0 years for AMAB and 15.5 for AFAB adolescents), and only 4.6% of AFAB adolescents start GnRHa in early puberty compared to 34% of AMAB [67]. However, GnRHa treatment is not recommended for prepubescent children.

The effectiveness of GnRHa treatment has been demonstrated in studies such as the longitudinal study on the first 70 adolescents who underwent puberty suppression in Amsterdam between 2000 and 2008. This study showed improvements in psychological functioning and a reduction in behavioral and emotional problems and depressive symptoms during puberty suppression [68]. Subsequent research on individuals from the same cohort, assessed one year after gender-reassignment surgery, found alleviation of dysphoria and steady improvement in psychological functioning, with well-being similar to or better than same-age individuals from the general population [69].

Similar positive outcomes have been observed in other countries, including the United Kingdom and the USA. A survey-based study on 20,619 transgender adults in the USA found that those who received puberty suppression had lower odds of lifetime suicidal ideation compared to those who desired puberty suppression but did not receive it [70]. While the majority of adolescents with GD who start GnRHa subsequently initiate GAHT, GnRHa use is not associated with increased subsequent GAHT use [55]. Additionally, a small percentage of cases discontinue GnRHa therapy, mostly due to remission of GD, highlighting the therapeutic value of this option in facilitating informed decision-making for adolescents [71, 72]. This is particularly significant considering that GAHT, compared to GnRHa, leads to rapid and partly irreversible effects [73].

The primary findings from key literature studies concerning GnRHa treatment in GD, along with associated outcomes and adverse effects, are summarized in Table 3 [11, 56, 69,70,71,72, 74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86] and 4 [15, 87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99], respectively. In these tables, a nonsystematic overview of the most relevant original scientific papers, clinical trials, meta-analyses and reviews published in the last 15 years, in the English language, on a specific topic, were considered. Single case reports and letters were excluded. The following keywords (alone or in combination) were considered: gender dysphoria, GnRH analogs therapy, gender-affirming hormonal treatment, complications, adverse effects, benefits, outcome. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus were used for this research Table 4.

Table 3 Literature data on GnRH analogues treatment in gender dysphoria and associated outcomes

Table 4 Literature data on GnRH analogues treatment in gender dysphoria and adverse effects

Ethical positions and Italian rules

In April 2018, the AIFA sought guidance from the National Committee for Bioethics (NCB) regarding the ethical considerations surrounding the use of GnRHa in treating adolescents with GD. The NCB, while assessing the risks and benefits associated with off-label use, emphasized the paramount importance of addressing the significant distress experienced by adolescents with GD. This distress often manifests as elevated risks of suicide, self-harm, and heightened levels of depression and anxiety. Consequently, when psychological, psychotherapeutic, and neuropsychiatric interventions prove inadequate, the NCB deemed the use of GnRHa as justified to aid adolescents in navigating this intricate and challenging situation. The committee advocated for a cautious approach, recommending the judicious use of the drug in carefully selected cases, subject to individual evaluation [67]. Additionally, akin to the approach taken with other medications such as orphan drugs, the NCB recommended establishing policies to ensure equitable and uniform access to triptorelin at the national level by the National Health System (NHS), in order to ensure equal distribution, given the cost and the prolonged duration of therapy [67].

In line with these directives, the AIFA issued a resolution on February 25, 2019, incorporating depot triptorelin into the list of drugs covered entirely by the National Health Service, as per Law No. 648 of December 23, 1996, for use in specific cases of gender dysphoria (Resolution no. 21756/2019 of February 25, 2019) [53].

According to this resolution, the criteria for administering GnRHa in Italy encompass:

• 1. Confirmation of Tanner stage 2-3 puberty, verified by sex steroid levels indicative of appropriate pubertal progression.

• 2. Confirmation of gender dysphoria diagnosis per DSM-5 criteria by a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in child and adolescent neuropsychiatry, pediatric endocrinology, developmental psychology, and bioethics.

• 3. Onset or exacerbation of symptoms coinciding with puberty onset.

• 4. Stabilization of any concurrent psychopathologies or medical conditions that could impede the diagnostic or therapeutic process of gender dysphoria.

• 5. Lack of efficacy of psychological, psychotherapeutic, or neuropsychiatric interventions.

• 6. Informed consent obtained from the adolescent and their parents or guardians.

In 2020, through two resolutions on September 23, the AIFA expanded the list to include testosterone, testosterone undecanoate, testosterone enanthate, testosterone esters, estradiol, estradiol hemihydrate, estradiol valerate, cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, leuprolide acetate, and triptorelin for use in the virilization process of transgender men (Resolution no. 104272/2020 of September 23, 2020) [98,99,100] and transgender women (Resolution No. 104273/2020 of September 23, 2020) [98,99,100], respectively.

According to these resolutions, the criteria for GAHT in Italy include:

• 1. Diagnosis of gender dysphoria/gender incongruence per DSM-5 [29] or ICD-11 [28] criteria, confirmed by a multidisciplinary specialist team.

• 2. Capacity to make an informed decision after receiving comprehensive information and providing consent to treatment.

• 3. For minors, consent to treatment from both parents or legal guardians in compliance with current regulations concerning minors (Article 3 of Law No. 219/2017).

Since 2015, surgical procedures altering primary sexual characteristics are no longer mandatory in Italy for legal sex rectification [10, 98]. Candidates for surgery should not exhibit significant medical or mental health concerns [52]. Before surgery, assessing the candidate's resilience is advisable to prevent decompensation in the event of complications or to assist individuals in managing post-surgery self-care. Therefore, a comprehensive informed consent process prior to surgery is recommended [52].

Pros and cons of GnRH analogues treatment for gender dysphoria

The decision regarding treatment must prioritize the child's best interests, following fully informed discussions with transgender and gender diverse youth and their families about the risks, benefits, and potential consequences of treatment.

Follow-up data examining the long-term risks or side effects of puberty blockers used to halt naturally occurring puberty in transgender youth, as opposed to precocious puberty, are still lacking. However, extrapolation from follow-up studies of blockers used for precocious puberty shows promising results. GnRHas have been utilized since 1981 for treating central precocious puberty, and their use is considered safe and effective, with no known severe long-term adverse effects. It should be remembered that GnRHas have been licensed for central precocious puberty based on relatively short open-label studies with small groups of patients because it was impossible and unethical to perform more robust studies (i.e. randomized controlled trials) [101].

The advantages and disadvantages associated with GnRH agonist treatment, as documented in the literature are outlined in Table 5 [8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17, 57, 97, 101,102,103,104,105,106].

Table 5 Pros and cons of GnRH agonist in gender dysphoria

Criteria for centers referred to gender identity

A multidisciplinary expert team cognizant of the complexities of GD is mandatory in gender affirming care. As of today, access to dedicated clinical services and pathways for care and assistance is not uniform across the Italian national territory.

As reported by an Italian report [55], in 79% of centers TGD individuals receive the diagnosis of GD between 12 and 18 years of age and at least three healthcare professionals are involved (more often a child and adolescent neuropsychiatrist, a psychologist and a pediatrician). In only 3 centers a bioethicist is part of the team. Only 36% of centers include in the follow-up provided to TGD youths several investigations to evaluate the effect of the treatment and possible side effects, such as the evaluation of glucose metabolism, lipid profile, coagulation profile, bone mineralization and mental health assessment.

Considering the existing uncertainties surrounding the effectiveness and safety of hormonal treatment, it is deemed appropriate to identify a limited number of qualified centers across the national territory, not exceeding one/two per region, possessing the necessary skills and experience for the appropriate management of adolescents with GD. At present, the number of dedicated services is too low to meet the need of TGD child/adolescents.

According to international guidelines, accredited centers must meet specific criteria to ensure quality care for adolescents with GD. These centers must have:

• A skilled multidisciplinary team comprising child and adolescent neuropsychiatry, pediatric endocrinology, developmental psychology, bioethics.

• Endocrinologists experienced in prescribing GnRHa therapy and other hormonal treatments.

• Authorization to prescribe GnRHa therapy.

• Access to laboratory and radiological facilities for accurate diagnosis and follow-up.

• Transition care services from child/adolescent to adult services for persistent GD, including endocrinology and surgical expertise within the team.

In situations requiring it, a forensic medical opinion can specifically address legal matters such as discrimination, access to healthcare, and civil rights. The forensic interview and evaluation should take into account the prevalent perceptions held by the individual, as these perceptions can significantly influence their behavior and experiences across various life domains, including social, familial, educational, and occupational settings. These factors often play a critical role in an individual's mental health, resilience, capacity to function in daily life, and susceptibility to mental disorders. Furthermore, this evaluation should explore how GD could potentially affect the individual's ability to engage in legal proceedings, make informed decisions, and function effectively in society [107, 108].

Additionally, the proposal of a National Monitoring Commission, coordinated by the Italian National Institute of Health, is recommended, to which all diagnosed cases will be reported and included in a dedicated National Registry for individuals with GD [106]. This commission should:

• Formulate national guidelines and a specific care pathway for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of adolescents with GD nationwide.

• Monitor the incidence of GD through a dedicated national registry.

• Monitor the effectiveness and safety of therapy.

• Evaluate and propose clinical trials to implement new therapeutic strategies.

• Conduct periodic audits of accredited centers.

• Conduct regular systematic reviews of evidence-based literature every two years.

The existing institutional website by the Italian National Institute of Health, called “Infotrans” [109], is dedicated to the well-being and health of transgender people and offers information on the available gender identity-related healthcare services. A specific section dedicated to qualified centers for adolescents should be implemented.

Conclusions

In conclusion, pediatricians establish care with patients at birth manage individuals throughout childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood and are frequently the first formal contact for gender-nonconforming children and their families [108, 109]. Thus, pediatricians play a crucial role in understanding gender identity issues and providing appropriate care to individuals and families affected by GD [110, 111], while avoiding stigma and premature interventions. Receiving proper training is crucial for pediatricians to effectively address this challenge in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams of specialists [111].

The use of hormonal treatment in GD adolescents is a subject of ongoing debate, but it is essential to prioritize the health and well-being of TGD adolescents who are at higher risk of psychological challenges.

Treatment decisions should be made by healthcare professionals based on individual needs and circumstances, guided by scientific evidence rather than biases or ideologies.

Maintaining an evidence-based approach is essential to safeguard the well-being of TGD adolescents and to preserve the child's right to a promising future while recognizing that the individual child is the most impacted by decisions made.

Application of protection rights supports therapeutic interventions that protect the child from discrimination, provide the highest attainable standards of care, and deliver necessary access to it. However, the debate on respecting the rights of the child remains open [112].

Politicians and high court judges should address discrimination based on gender identity in legislation and support service development that aligns with the needs of young people.

Establishing accredited multidisciplinary centers capable of managing the diagnostic and therapeutic process for individuals with persistent GD is crucial to ensure quality care equitable and uniform access to hormonal treatment at the national level.

Furthermore, accredited centers can be beneficial for maintaining an ongoing dialogue with institutions regarding bioethical and medicolegal issues. Addressing these issues constructively and openly could improve the decision-making process while safeguarding the rights of children.