If you’ve spent any time online, you’ve probably seen people arguing about gender-affirming care for teens. Maybe you’ve heard things like, “Kids are too young to make these decisions!” or “This kind of care is dangerous!” But here’s the thing — gender-affirming care isn’t new, and it’s not exclusive to transgender people.
Every day, people make changes to their bodies to feel more comfortable in their own skin. Hair transplants, breast implants, hormone therapy — none of this is shocking when cisgender people do it. So why does the conversation suddenly change when it’s about adolescent gender-affirming care? It’s time to cut through the fear and talk about what gender-affirming care for teens really is. Follow along with us as we explore gender-affirming care here.
What Is Gender-Affirming Care?
At its core, gender-affirming care is about helping people feel like themselves. That might mean changing a name, trying out new clothes, or, for some, pursuing medical options like hormones or surgery.
If you think about it, gender-affirming care is everywhere. People undergo all kinds of procedures to change their appearance, whether it’s to match their identity or simply to feel better in their bodies. Some examples include:
- Hair transplants – Many men undergo this procedure to feel more confident as they age.
- Breast implants or reductions – People change their chest size for cosmetic reasons, comfort, or self-image.
- Rhinoplasty – Plenty of people change their noses because they want to feel better about their appearance.
- Braces and jaw surgery – These are technically medical but also affect appearance and self-esteem.
Nobody calls these procedures controversial or dangerous. So why is it different when transgender people seek similar care?
Breaking Down the Myths About Gender-Affirming Care for Teens
Despite what some headlines say, most adolescent gender-affirming care starts with small, reversible steps. Here’s what you should know:
- Social transition comes first – Before any medical steps, most teens start by changing their clothes, pronouns, or names to see what feels right.
- Puberty blockers are temporary – These pause puberty to give teens more time to explore their identity. If they stop taking them, puberty resumes as normal.
- Hormone therapy isn’t instant – It’s a gradual process, and medical professionals carefully monitor the effects.
- Surgery is rare for minors – Gender-affirming surgeries are typically for adults, and when older teens do qualify, it requires extensive evaluations and parental consent.
Why Is Gender-Affirming Care Also a Mental Health Issue?
For many transgender teens, gender dysphoria — the distress of feeling like your body doesn’t match your identity — can take a serious toll on mental health. A study published by the National Institutes of Health shows that access to gender-affirming care can reduce depression, anxiety, and suicide risk.1
At Ascend, we focus on the mental health side of gender-affirming care for teens. We provide mental health treatment for teens in Los Angeles, CA for those exploring their identity, helping them navigate challenges in a safe and understanding space.
How Ascend Supports Teens
People change their bodies all the time to feel more like themselves, so we advocate for transgender people who deserve the same access to this type of care. Gender-affirming care for teens is about supporting teens, not harming them.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gender identity, you’re not alone. At Ascend, we offer mental health treatment for teens in Los Angeles, CA, helping teens find confidence and clarity in a supportive environment. Call us at 310.388.3713 or get in touch with us online to learn more.
