An area that is often overlooked by endocrinologists, the bidirectional impact of endocrine disorders and the brain, is discussed in this issue compiled by Dr Geer. The first four articles discuss the regulation of endocrine systems on psychiatric disorders. One of the most challenging aspects of endocrinology is patients with somatic disorders of sex development and gender dysphoria. As described by Dr Meyer-Bahlburg, the approach to these patients must be interdisciplinary, since both psychiatric and hormonal considerations are paramount. Individuals requesting help with gender assignments or alterations often require surgical procedures in addition to hormonal therapies. The hormonal therapies in many cases require suppression of normal endocrine functions and then treatment with hormonal therapy to enhance the desired gender phenotype.
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