GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF ADULTS WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA... [2013-10-25 Royal College of Psychiatrists]
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/files/pdfversion/CR181.pdf
October 2013
"Gender variance is not uncommon, and the number of people seeking treatment in Gender Identity Clinics is increasing rapidly. A survey of 10,000 people undertaken in 2012 by the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that 1% of the population was gender variant to some extent – though this figure cannot be assumed to be representative of the whole population. Historically, more women sought treatment than men, but this difference is reducing.
People often find it difficult to confide their feelings of gender dysphoria to their GP because they fear ridicule, guilt or shame, or are concerned about delays in getting treatment on the NHS. This has led to increasing numbers of people self-medicating using hormones and hormone-blockers available via the internet. It is estimated that up to 40% of people with gender dysphoria may not be receiving appropriate help."