Study Confirms Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Reduces Depression Risk by 15%

Research highlights the mental health benefits of hormone therapy for transgender individuals, as access faces increasing legal restrictions.

A four-year study of 3,592 transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse adults found a 15% lower risk of moderate-to-severe depression for those receiving hormone therapy.
The findings support the role of gender-affirming hormone therapy as medically necessary care for improving mental health outcomes.
Transgender individuals face disproportionately high rates of depression, with about 33% showing signs of depression compared to 8.3% of the general U.S. population.
Access to gender-affirming care is increasingly restricted by state laws and executive orders, exacerbating mental health disparities in transgender communities.
Community-based health centers serving LGBTQ+ patients are critical for providing accessible care and addressing systemic barriers like discrimination and stigma.