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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Dysphoria means feeling distressed or uneasy. Gender dysphoria is a feeling of emotional distress because your inner sense of your gender (gender identity) doesn't match the sex that you were assigned at birth. For transgender and some gender-diverse people, their gender identity doesn't match the sex that they were assigned at birth. Many, but not all, have gender dysphoria. Symptoms of gender dysphoria may include feeling: Some people may feel extra stress because of discrimination in their community. Rejection, prejudice, and fear can cause long-term stress. Gender dysphoria may be diagnosed when you talk with your doctor about feeling upset or distressed that your gender identity isn't the same as your sex assigned at birth. Children with gender dysphoria may have similar feelings as adults, including feeling upset about parts of their body that don't match their gender identity. Usually, gender dysphoria is treated by helping someone affirm their gender identity through finding ways to express it. The types of things that help someone express their gender can vary from person to person. They can also be different for children and young people than for adults. Non-medical options for expressing gender identity may include: Medical options may include: If you have gender dysphoria, know that you're not alone. Many people have gone through what you're going through now. It can be comforting and helpful to talk to those people. You can find them through local or online groups. And you can find a list of websites and online organizations at the LGBT National Help Center (www.glnh.org). Many, but not all, transgender and gender-diverse people have gender dysphoria. If someone you care about has gender dysphoria, there are ways that you can help. Gender dysphoria can cause great distress. Feeling loved, supported, and accepted can help. Organizations such as Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) can help. Go to their website at www.pflag.org to find a list of other useful groups. Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Gender Dysphoria
Condition Basics
What is gender dysphoria?
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
How is gender dysphoria treated?
How can you support someone with gender dysphoria?
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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.