Gender dysphoria is a condition in which a person feels that there is a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity.
Biological sex is assigned at birth, depending on the appearance of the infant. Gender identity is the gender that a person “identifies” with, or feels themselves to be.
For example, a person may have the anatomy of a man, but gender identify as a woman. Others do not describe themselves as either male or female, or may describe themselves as agender.
This mismatch can cause feelings of discomfort that are called gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is a recognised condition, for which treatment is sometimes appropriate. It is not a mental illness.
The condition is also sometimes known as:
- gender identity disorder
- gender incongruence
- transgenderism
Some people with gender dysphoria have a strong and persistent desire to live according to their gender identity, rather than their biological sex. These people are sometimes called transsexual people, or trans people. Some trans people undergo treatment so that their physical appearance is more consitent with their gender identity.
Learn more in definition of gender dysphoria.
Early symptoms
The symptoms of gender dysphoria can appear at a very young age. For example, a child may refuse to wear typical boys’ or girls’ clothes, or dislike taking part in typical boys’ or girls’ games and activities.
In most cases, this type of behaviour is just a normal part of growing up, but in cases of gender dysphoria, it persists into later childhood and through to adulthood.
Adults with gender dysphoria can feel trapped inside a body that does not match their gender identity. This can cause feelings of discomfort and anxiety. They may also feel so unhappy about social expectations that they live according to their anatomical sex, rather than according to the gender that they feel themselves to be. They may experience a strong desire to change, or get rid of, physical signs of their biological sex, such as facial hair or breasts,
Learn more in symptoms of gender dysphoria.
How common is gender dysphoria?
It is estimated that 1 in 11,500 people experience gender dysphoria. However, there may be many people with the condition who do not seek help. On average, men are diagnosed with gender dysphoria five times more than women.
While gender dysphoria is rare, the number of people being diagnosed with it is increasing due to growing public awareness about the condition.
However, many people with gender dysphoria still face prejudice and misunderstanding about their condition.
Learn more in causes of gender dysphoria.
Diagnosis of gender dysphoria
If you think you have gender dysphoria, see your GP.
Your GP may refer you to a gender dysphoria clinic, which can offer you a personalised assessment.
Learn more in diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Treatment for gender dysphoria
Treatment for gender dysphoria aims to help people remove the feeling of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity.
This can mean different things for different people. For example, for some people it can mean dressing and living as their preferred gender.
For others, it can mean taking hormones or having surgery to change their physical appearance. Many trans people seek to have treatment to permanently change their bodies, so that they are more consistent with their gender identities.
Learn more in treatment for gender dysphoria.
In 2004, the Gender Recognition Act was passed. It states that transsexuals and people with gender dysphoria can:
- marry in their preferred gender
- obtain legal documentation stating their preferred gender, including a new birth certificate and passport
