Transgender care for adolescents in the Netherlands is characterised by a carefully designed pathway. Initially, the emphasis is on exploring gender identity. Possible treatment with puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones is only applicable after extensive diagnostic assessment and subsequent treatment indication. Research has shown that hormone treatments are physically effective and that mental health seems to improve as a result. The treatments may also have negative effects, but the Health Council sees no reason, based on the limited data available on this subject, not to offer the treatments. The council states this in an advisory report to the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport.
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