Gender-affirming healthcare in the Nordic countries: An overview.

Abstract

This narrative review examines gender-affirming healthcare in the Nordic countries, highlighting historical developments, legal frameworks, epidemiological trends, and current clinical practices. Transgender healthcare dates back to the early 20th century and gained international attention in the early 1950s following one of the first widely publicized gender-affirming surgeries performed in Denmark. Since then, care models have evolved, supported by policy, research, and clinical practice across Europe and North America.All Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, provide publicly funded gender-affirming healthcare, although service structures differ. Legal gender recognition has shifted toward self-identification in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and from July 2025, also Sweden by removing medical or psychiatric prerequisites.In parallel, epidemiological data reveal an increased healthcare utilization, particularly among youth assigned female at birth. Elevated rates of mental health challenges highlight the need for integrated psychosocial support. Clinical care typically follows a multidisciplinary model including psychiatric and medical assessment, hormone therapy, and surgery when indicated. Access to chest and genital surgery requires a formal diagnosis and is with few exceptions restricted to adults. Evidence supports the positive impact of gender-affirming treatment on gender congruence and health-related quality of life. Regret after gender-affirming surgery is rare but does occur, underscoring the importance of individualized care and thorough informed consent.Ongoing challenges include long wait times, unequal access for non-binary individuals, and a growing number of individuals seeking private or cross-border care. Future efforts should focus on expanding public services, strengthening research, and promoting equitable, evidence-based care that reflects the diversity of gender identities.