Overview
Many transgender and gender-diverse people feel distress when their body or how others see them doesn't match their gender.
Support from family, friends, and clinicians lowers depression and suicide risk.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Distress about gender
Less common
- Depression
- Anxiety
When to get medical care
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911.
Get care todayNew or worse symptoms, or symptoms with fever.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.
Causes
Not a choice.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Can start in childhood, teens, or adulthood
Possible complications
- Depression: More common, often from stigma
Diagnosis
A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.
The exam
A physical exam.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.
Self-care
- Find supportive care
- Find a supportive clinician
- Connect with peer support groups
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a doctor or mental health professional experienced in gender care.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Youth: The Trevor Project offers 24/7 support.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Support improves well-being.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What's causing this?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- What care options are available?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.