Transgender and gender-diverse (“trans”) people have worse mental health compared to the general population. As a result, they’re more likely to use mental health services, such as psychologists and counsellors, and treatments such as antidepressants and anxiety medication.

While there are many contributing factors, including stigma, we know gender dysphoria can play a major role. Gender dysphoria refers to the distress or discomfort some trans people feel about their gender, body, or how others perceive their gender.

Gender-affirming medical care — which may involve hormone therapy or surgery — helps align trans people’s bodies with their gender identity. And evidence shows it can drastically improve trans people’s mental health.

But until now, we haven’t had research that tracks whether this means they actually use mental health services and scripts less.