A psycho-endocrinological overview of transsexualism
European Journal of Endocrinology v.145, i.4 Oct01

A Michel, C Mormont1 and J J Legros

Department of Clinical Psycology, University of Liège, Belgium

Endocrinology Unit, Department of Psychoneuroendocrinology, University of Liège, Belgium

(Correspondence should be addressed to Aude Michel, University of Liege, Department of Clinical Psychology, Boulevard du Rectorat – B33, B-4000 Liège, Belgium)

Abstract

The technical possibility of surgical sex-change has opened up a debate concerning the legitimacy and utility of carrying out such an intervention at the request of the transsexual. Diagnostic, psychological, medical, and ethical arguments have been brought forth, both for and against. Nonetheless, anatomical transformation by surgical means has become a practice as current as the frequency of serious gender identity disorders is in constant progression.

After a brief introduction, the present paper will consider typological, aetiological and epidemiological aspects of transsexualism. Treatment of the sex change applicant is then defined and discussed in terms of psychological, psychiatric, endocrinological and surgical aspects. Finally, the question of becoming an operated transsexual will be examined.