Satisfaction associated with gender-affirming hormone therapy

Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) improves psychological well-being and certain quality-of-life parameters. Nevertheless, the satisfaction perceived by individuals undergoing this treatment remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess such satisfaction using the Spanish adaptation of the received treatment satisfaction scale (CRES-4).

Cross-sectional observational study among transgender individuals who had been receiving GAHT for >1 year and had not undergone genital reassignment surgery. Participants were recruited from a Transgender Medicine Unit between January 2014 and January 2023. Demographic and clinical data were collected, along with responses to the CRES-4 scale. Statistical analysis performed using SPSS-V-23.

Out of the 83 subjects included, 52 (62.7%) were identified as transgender men and 31 (37.3%) as transgender women. The median age at initiation of GAHT was 19 [17-25] years, with a median treatment duration of 3 [1.75-4] years at the time of evaluation. 95% of participants reported being satisfied with GAHT and 75% noted an improvement in the "perceived problem solution" domain. Emotional well-being improved markedly, with 68% reporting an acceptable emotional state after GAHT, compared to 9% before starting treatment. Satisfaction was not significantly associated with treatment duration, psychological comorbidity, age at initiation, non-genital gender-affirming surgeries or type of hormone therapy (feminizing vs. masculinizing).

Most transgender individuals reported high levels of satisfaction with GAHT when provided as part of comprehensive biopsychosocial care. The therapy improved emotional well-being and enhanced perceptions of problem resolution.