Caring for Gender Diverse Youth With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Multisite Case Series.

BACKGROUND

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular condition requiring long-term multidisciplinary care. Endocrine management often includes pubertal induction with testosterone for delayed puberty, which commonly occurs in individuals receiving chronic glucocorticoid therapy. Although gender diversity is increasingly recognized among adolescents, gender identity and gender-affirming care have not been well described among individuals with DMD.

METHODS

We conducted a multi-institutional, retrospective case series across pediatric neuromuscular centers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Providers submitted deidentified data via Research Electronic Data Capture on individuals with DMD who self-identified as transgender or gender diverse (TGD). Quantitative data were summarized descriptively, and qualitative provider narratives were analyzed thematically to characterize care approaches, barriers, and psychosocial outcomes.

RESULTS

Ten TGD individuals with DMD were identified. Gender identity disclosure occurred between 13 and 25 years of age, most commonly in late adolescence or early adulthood. Distress related to testosterone therapy for pubertal induction was reported in half of the cases. All individuals received mental health support and seven pursued gender-affirming medical therapy, most commonly estrogen with antiandrogens. Providers described complex decision-making balancing gender-related goals with DMD-associated risks, including osteoporosis, cardiomyopathy, reduced mobility, and thromboembolic risk. Social affirmation and/or initiation of gender-affirming care were consistently associated with improvements in mood, emotional well-being, and engagement in care. System-level barriers included institutional variability in consent processes and interdisciplinary coordination.

CONCLUSIONS

This international case series highlights delayed gender identity disclosure, complex hormonal decision-making, and the importance of coordinated, affirming, interdisciplinary care for TGD individuals with DMD. As survival in DMD improves, comprehensive neuromuscular care must address psychosocial well-being alongside physical health.