Lack of trained endocrinologists limits trans hormone therapy access in Andorra
Although a decree allows hormone therapy for over‑16s with informed consent, Diversand says many endocrinologists lack the knowledge to start or.
Key Points
- Decree permits hormone therapy for those over 16 who give informed consent.
- Diversand reports clinicians refusing treatment due to insufficient experience.
- Scarcity of specialists forces many to seek care in Spain or France.
- Association asks Health Ministry to list experienced clinicians and offer training.
To access hormone therapy in Andorra a person must be over 16, present a diverse gender identity in a clear and sustained way, demonstrate the capacity to understand the risks and benefits of treatment, and sign informed consent. However, Diversand says those conditions are not always enough.
The association reports a case in which treatment was denied because the responsible endocrinologist admitted they did not have the necessary knowledge to start the therapy or to carry out follow‑up. Isabella Vargas, vice‑president of Diversand, told ATV that a person who sought treatment a year ago could not be treated while the decree was not yet in force; when they returned after the decree, the clinician said they did not feel capable and lacked the experience to provide care.
Diversand is asking the Health Ministry to provide names of professionals experienced with trans patients or willing to train, both in Andorra and abroad. The association warns that the scarcity of specialised endocrinologists forces many people to travel to Spain or France for care and that if only one endocrinologist is trained, waiting lists will be very long.
Vargas says this creates an entry barrier that depends not only on legal procedures but also on the availability and training of health professionals, and calls for adequate training to ensure people can access the treatment locally.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: