It can be very distressing for a person to tell a health professional about conflict between their sense of self and the sexual characteristics they were born with. They will need reassurance, and careful guidance about what kinds of treatment are available.
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About 0.6% of the population identifies as transgender according to healthcare records, although the actual number might be higher. In the 50 years since UK NHS services started, more than 130 000 people have changed social gender role. A variety of doctors, including non-specialists, might at some time in their career be approached for help by someone with gender dysphoria.
- Listen to the podcast Transhealth – how to talk to patients about pronouns, 2017/06/30.
- Read Gender dysphoria: assessment and management for non-specialists, BMJ 2017;357:j2866, 10 May 2017.
- Read I am your trans patient, BMJ 2017;357:j2963, 30 June 2017.
- DES studies on gender identity and psychological health.