Medical options
Trans youth between 13 and 18 may feel distressed about their body or anxious about the changes that will come with puberty. If this is the case for your child, there are developmentally-appropriate medical care options available to them.
Readiness assessment
It is a big decision to start hormone therapy or access other medical care related to gender. Care planning Process that a person, their health care providers, family and other supporters undertake in planning to reach their gender-affirming care goals. (which includes a readiness assessment An evaluation conducted by a health care professional to determine if a patient is ready to begin hormone therapy or have gender-affirming surgery. ) is the first step in the process of accessing gender-affirming care Processes through which a health care system cares for and supports an individual while recognizing and acknowledging their gender and expression. . What this looks like for your child will depend on your child and family’s care needs. As these processes can take time, you may want to get to know the steps involved in accessing gender-affirming care.
For more information about readiness assessment and hormone therapy, visit our How to Start section.
Puberty blockers
Puberty blockers A group of medications for youth that temporarily suppress or inhibit puberty by suppressing the production of sex hormones and preventing development of secondary sex characteristics. are medications that suppress the sex hormones Hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, that affect sexual and reproductive development or function. produced by the body — they put puberty on pause. They can prevent changes such as voice lowering, breast growth and periods. Youth may start these medications soon after puberty begins.
For more detailed information, see our Puberty Blockers page.
Hormone therapy
Some youth who take puberty blockers A group of medications for youth that temporarily suppress or inhibit puberty by suppressing the production of sex hormones and preventing development of secondary sex characteristics. early in adolescence go on to initiate hormone therapy when they are older. Youth who have not taken puberty blockers may also take hormones.
Hormone therapy allows people to develop secondary sex characteristics Physical traits that develop after sexual maturity (puberty), such as facial hair growth, deepening of the voice or breast development. that are in line with their gender identity A person's deeply held, internal sense of themself as male, female, a blend of both or neither. (Source: GenderSpectrum.org) .
For more information, see our Hormone Therapy page.
Gender-affirming surgeries
Gender-affirming surgeries are something that older adolescents and adults may access. For the most part, people wait until they are at least 19 to have gender-affirming surgeries. However, upper body surgeries (Chest Reduction & Construction or Breast Construction) are sometimes performed for youth under the age of 19.
Visit our Surgery pages to learn more about gender-affirming procedures.
Gender health care options
You have the right to accurate, evidence-based information about gender health and care options. If you or your family member are having trouble locating gender-affirming care Processes through which a health care system cares for and supports an individual while recognizing and acknowledging their gender and expression. , please Contact Us for information about pathways to care in B.C.
Contact our team of experienced health navigators for information about gender-affirming care in B.C.