Gender variance / gender dysphoria / transgenderism describes the personal discomfort experienced by people whose psychological identification as men or as women (the gender identity) is inconsistent with their genes and with the gender role typically associated with that genetic make-up.

The discomfort may be present all the time, or be worse at some times or others. It can sometimes be very severe and other times less so.

We are not absolutely sure what causes it, and it is probably a variety of factors combined. We do understand that it is not something that can be forced on someone, or something that someone can choose to be. It is not something that happens because of childhood experiences or something that is a personal choice. It is just there if it is there.

Is there a transgender test? As it is a subjective experience, the only person that can actually diagnose it is the person living with the feelings. There is no test, blood test or scan. It is not something someone chooses to be, and it is certainly not a mental disorder.

Many GPs say that they lack the knowledge to treat those experiencing gender variant conditions and, consequently, they are not confident to do so. We are seeing more GPs learning about this subject and as their knowledge and confidence increases, then they will feel more comfortable in helping their patients better.

Hormones are necessary to attain the body changes that fit with the desired gender. In some patients, hormone therapy is enough to give them the inner peace that is missing and not all people need or want to go on to have surgery.

Hormone treatment can be started once a working diagnosis of gender dysphoria is obtained. This is possible to be done by a person’s GP, but not many GPs feel that they are able or allowed to do this. more training and help needs to be given in this area. Other people who can help are local endocrinologists, GPs with a special interest or other gender specialists.