MULTISTEP TREATMENT CONCEPT OF TRANSSEXUAL PATIENTS

Here we present a pragmatic multistep approach for the treatment of tr anssexual patients. The importance of an individually designed cross-g ender hormone replacement therapy embedded in a multidisciplinary trea tment concept, provided by psychiatrists, endocrinologists and surgeon s, is demonstrated. Following this concept outcome of therapy has been improved in the last years. Over the last 5 years we have gained subs tantial experience in the cross-gender hormone treatment of transsexua l patients. By continuous follow-up examinations and therapy adjustmen t the risk of side effects accompanying this therapy has been signific antly minimized. This report is designed as a guideline to the clinica l endocrinologist for the handling and treatment of transsexual patien ts.