Caring For Trans Teens' Physical, Mental, & Emotional Health
We offer a comprehensive clinic for transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender diverse youth, as well as for youth questioning their gender—care for physical, mental, and emotional health.
During a clinic visit, you and your family will be seen by one or more of our four providers. Our goals are to:
- answer questions about your gender journey,
- monitor your physical and mental health, and
- manage hormone suppression or hormone therapy.
Services*
- Puberty blockers
- Gender-affirming hormones
- Nutrition wellness
- Family planning
- Coordinated care
Where Is the Clinic?
We offer all of the above services for adolescents and young adults at one location:
Adolescent Medicine Clinic with GeMS (Gender Management & Support)
Eccles Primary Children’s Outpatient Services
81 North Mario Capecchi Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
801-213-3599, option 1
Our Team
Our team includes an adolescent medicine physician, pediatric endocrinology physician, psychologist, and dietitian. Please note that you may not meet everyone on your team at each appointment.
*In general, Utah law prohibits hormone therapy and puberty blockers as treatment for gender dysphoria for anyone under the age of 18 who did not have a documented gender dysphoria diagnosis prior to January 28, 2023. However, Utah law creates a pathway for minors who have a documented gender dysphoria diagnosis prior to January 28, 2023, to receive gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers.
2/24/2023
Hormones & Surgery
When Can I Start Hormones?
Your overall health is important to us. Before prescribing puberty blockers or hormones, we want to make sure that any physical or mental health conditions you have are being treated and well-managed.
When Can I Have Surgery?
Please note that the patient must be at least 18 years old to have gender-affirming surgery.
Before performing gender-affirming surgery (top or bottom), most surgeons prefer that you:
- take hormones for at least 12 months and
- establish a relationship with a mental health therapist.
This helps surgeons make sure you're ready and healthy enough for surgery.
What to Expect at Each Phase of Your Journey
What Can I Expect at My First Appointment in GeMS?
Each person has a unique gender journey. Our team of experts will guide you through each phase along your journey. During your first appointment at our clinic, our team will get to know you and your parents/guardians. We'll also ask you questions about your medical history.
We'll also:
- Review the transition process with you and answer any questions
- Give you blood tests and a physical exam (if there's enough time)
- Get your permission to contact your mental health therapist. If you don't have a therapist, we'll help you find one.
What to Bring
- names and phone numbers of your health care providers
- a list of any questions you have about your treatment or transition
- insurance information
Phase 2: What to Expect
In GeMS, we will:
- Continue to get to know you
- Give you a physical exam
- Talk about the benefits & risks of hormone therapy and how it may affect your fertility (whether you can have children in the future)
- Talk about your social support network: Who are the people who will help you and support you along your gender journey?
Phase 3: What to Expect
During the third phase of your gender journey, we will:
- Review the treatment & consent forms with you and have you sign them
- Create a plan for the rest of your transition process
- Start puberty blockers or hormone therapy
Phase 4: What to Expect
After you start puberty blockers and/or hormones, we will:
- Talk about your social support network (friends and family who can help you along your gender journey)
- Talk about how hormones are affecting your mood
- Talk about how hormones are changing your body
- Ask to have blood drawn to monitor how blockers and/or hormones are affecting your body and mood
How Often Do I Need to Come to the Clinic?
After starting hormones, we'll usually plan to see you every three months for one year, then every three to six months for one year until you've finished your gender affirming puberty.
After 2 years, we'll plan to see you every 6—12 months, depending on your needs.
Find a Transgender Health Doctor
Hear From Our Patient
Jace was standing in the bra section of a clothing store with his mom when suddenly he began to cry. Jace hadn’t been the kind of kid who struggled with his gender identity from a young age. But when puberty hit and his body became more feminine, it didn’t feel right.