CNN —Prompt access to hormone therapy can be a key tool in improving the mental health of transgender people, according to new research. The researchers also found a clinically significant decrease in depression, with over a 50% reduction in suicidality among study participants who didn’t have to wait to start hormone therapy. Nolan’s team examined the impact of accessible testosterone therapy on the mental health of 64 transgender adults who were seeking treatment to become more masculine. Gender-affirming hormone therapy like this is considered “medically necessary” by the World Professional Organization for Transgender Health’s Standards of Care. The researchers also found less suicidal ideation among the fast-tracked group: Thoughts of suicide resolved in 11 – or 52% – of the people receiving immediate testosterone therapy who had indicated suicidal ideation on their initial screening.

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Persons: ”, Brendan Nolan, Nolan’s, “, ” Nolan, Nolan, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, endocrinologists, we’ve Organizations: CNN, Endocrine Society, University of Melbourne, American Psychiatric Association, Transgender Survey, World Professional Organization, Transgender Health’s, Care, CNN Health Locations: United States