Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 309
Filter
1.
Lipids Health Dis ; 23(1): 146, 2024 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38760846

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient research on how gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) affects body fat modifications in transwomen from China. It is unclear whether hormone therapy affects the prevalence of obesity and blood lipid levels within this population. The current research aimed to assess how GAHT and treatment duration had an impact on the change in and redistribution of body fat in Chinese transwomen. METHODS: This study included 40 transwomen who had not received GAHT and 59 who had. Body fat, blood lipid, and blood glucose levels were measured. GAHT is mainly a pharmacologic (estrogen and anti-androgen) treatment. The study also stratified participants based on the duration of GAHT to assess its impact on body fat distribution. The duration of GAHT was within one year, one to two years, two to three years, or more than three years. RESULTS: After receiving GAHT, total body fat increased by 19.65%, and the percentage of body fat increased by 17.63%. The arm, corrected leg, and leg regions showed significant increases in fat content (+ 24.02%, + 50.69%, and + 41.47%, respectively) and percentage (+ 25.19%, + 34.90%, and + 30.39%, respectively). The total visceral fat content decreased (-37.49%). Based on the diagnostic standards for a body mass index ≥ 28 or total body fat percentage ≥ 25% or 30%, the chance of developing obesity did not change significantly. Blood glucose levels significantly increased (+ 12.31%). Total cholesterol levels (-10.45%) decreased significantly. Fat changes in those who received GAHT for one to two years were significantly different from those who did not receive GAHT. CONCLUSION: After receiving GAHT, total body fat and regional fat increased in Chinese transwomen, and the body fat distribution changed from masculine to feminine, especially during the first two years. However, neither the increase in total body fat percentage nor the decrease in visceral fat content didn't bring about significant changes in the incidence of obesity, nor did triglycerides or low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.


Subject(s)
Transgender Persons , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Adipose Tissue/drug effects , Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Asian People , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Body Fat Distribution , Body Mass Index , Case-Control Studies , China/epidemiology , East Asian People , Estrogens/blood , Intra-Abdominal Fat/drug effects , Intra-Abdominal Fat/metabolism , Obesity/blood , Retrospective Studies , Sex Reassignment Procedures , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Transsexualism/blood
2.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) ; 15: 1086158, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38800485

ABSTRACT

Background: Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a common medical intervention sought by transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. Initiating GAHT in accordance with clinical guideline recommendations ensures delivery of high-quality care. However, no prior studies have examined how current GAHT initiation compares to recommended GAHT initiation. Objective: This study assessed guideline concordance around feminizing and masculinizing GAHT initiation in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Methods: The sample included 4,676 veterans with a gender identity disorder diagnosis who initiated feminizing (n=3,547) and masculinizing (n=1,129) GAHT between 2007 and 2018 in VHA. Demographics and health conditions on veterans receiving feminizing and masculinizing GAHT were assessed. Proportion of guideline concordant veterans on six VHA guidelines on feminizing and masculinizing GAHT initiation were determined. Results: Compared to veterans receiving masculinizing GAHT, a higher proportion of veterans receiving feminizing GAHT were older (≥60 years: 23.7% vs. 6.3%), White non-Hispanic (83.5% vs. 57.6%), and had a higher number of comorbidities (≥7: 14.0% vs. 10.6%). A higher proportion of veterans receiving masculinizing GAHT were Black non-Hispanic (21.5% vs. 3.5%), had posttraumatic stress disorder (43.0% vs. 33.9%) and positive military sexual trauma (33.5% vs.16.8%; all p-values<0.001) than veterans receiving feminizing GAHT. Among veterans who started feminizing GAHT with estrogen, 97.0% were guideline concordant due to no documentation of contraindication, including venous thromboembolism, breast cancer, stroke, or myocardial infarction. Among veterans who started spironolactone as part of feminizing GAHT, 98.1% were guideline concordant as they had no documentation of contraindication, including hyperkalemia or acute renal failure. Among veterans starting masculinizing GAHT, 90.1% were guideline concordant due to no documentation of contraindications, such as breast or prostate cancer. Hematocrit had been measured in 91.8% of veterans before initiating masculinizing GAHT, with 96.5% not having an elevated hematocrit (>50%) prior to starting masculinizing GAHT. Among veterans initiating feminizing and masculinizing GAHT, 91.2% had documentation of a gender identity disorder diagnosis prior to GAHT initiation. Conclusion: We observed high concordance between current GAHT initiation practices in VHA and guidelines, particularly for feminizing GAHT. Findings suggest that VHA clinicians are initiating feminizing GAHT in concordance with clinical guidelines. Future work should assess guideline concordance on monitoring and management of GAHT in VHA.


Subject(s)
Practice Guidelines as Topic , Transgender Persons , United States Department of Veterans Affairs , Veterans , Humans , Female , United States , Male , Middle Aged , Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards , Adult , Sex Reassignment Procedures , Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Gender Dysphoria/drug therapy , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Veterans Health , Hormone Replacement Therapy/methods , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/standards
3.
Pediatrics ; 153(5)2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38567424

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Guidelines for monitoring of medications frequently used in the gender-affirming care of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents are based on studies in adults or other medical conditions. In this study, we aimed to investigate commonly screened laboratory measurements in TGD adolescents receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). METHODS: TGD adolescents were recruited from 4 study sites in the United States before beginning GAHT. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, hemoglobin A1c, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, prolactin, and potassium were abstracted from the medical record at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months after starting GAHT. RESULTS: Two-hundred and ninety-three participants (68% designated female at birth) with no previous history of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog use were included in the analysis. Hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased in adolescents prescribed estradiol (-1.4 mg/dL and -3.6%, respectively) and increased in adolescents prescribed testosterone (+1.0 mg/dL and +3.9%) by 6 months after GAHT initiation. Thirteen (6.5%) participants prescribed testosterone had hematocrit > 50% during GAHT. There were no differences in hemoglobin A1c, alanine transaminase, or aspartate aminotransferase. There was a small increase in prolactin after 6 months of estradiol therapy in transfeminine adolescents. Hyperkalemia in transfeminine adolescents taking spironolactone was infrequent and transient if present. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal laboratory results are rare in TGD adolescents prescribed GAHT and, if present, occur within 6 months of GAHT initiation. Future guidelines may not require routine screening of these laboratory parameters beyond 6 months of GAHT in otherwise healthy TGD adolescents.


Subject(s)
Testosterone , Transgender Persons , Humans , Adolescent , Female , Male , Testosterone/blood , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Testosterone/adverse effects , Alanine Transaminase/blood , Estradiol/blood , Hematocrit , Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood , Sex Reassignment Procedures , Glycated Hemoglobin/analysis , Prolactin/blood , Hemoglobins/analysis , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Hormone Replacement Therapy/methods
4.
Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr (Engl Ed) ; 71(3): 144-148, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38555112

ABSTRACT

Gender affirming treatment in transgender women is based on a combination of antiandrogens and estrogens, with the latter maintained over the long term. When prescribing these treatments, we must consider the possibility of developing estrogen-dependent breast cancer. In transgender women, a breast cancer incidence of 4.1 per 100,000 has been estimated, which would increase the risk by 46% in relation to cisgender men but decrease it by 70% in relation to cisgender women. It is known that certain gene mutations such as BRCA1 imply an increased risk of breast cancer, but at present the risk in transgender women with BRCA1 treated with estrogens is not well established. We present the case of a transgender woman with a family history of breast cancer and BRCA1 mutation and the therapeutic decisions made in a multidisciplinary team. Following this case, we review and discuss the published literature.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Male , Humans , Female , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Estrogens , Mutation , BRCA1 Protein/genetics
5.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab ; 109(2): e455-e465, 2024 Jan 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37437247

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The inclusion of transgender people in elite sport has been a topic of debate. This narrative review examines the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on physical performance, muscle strength, and markers of endurance. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: MEDLINE and Embase were searched using terms to define the population (transgender), intervention (GAHT), and physical performance outcomes. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Existing literature comprises cross-sectional or small uncontrolled longitudinal studies of short duration. In nonathletic trans men starting testosterone therapy, within 1 year, muscle mass and strength increased and, by 3 years, physical performance (push-ups, sit-ups, run time) improved to the level of cisgender men. In nonathletic trans women, feminizing hormone therapy increased fat mass by approximately 30% and decreased muscle mass by approximately 5% after 12 months, and steadily declined beyond 3 years. While absolute lean mass remains higher in trans women, relative percentage lean mass and fat mass (and muscle strength corrected for lean mass), hemoglobin, and VO2 peak corrected for weight was no different to cisgender women. After 2 years of GAHT, no advantage was observed for physical performance measured by running time or in trans women. By 4 years, there was no advantage in sit-ups. While push-up performance declined in trans women, a statistical advantage remained relative to cisgender women. CONCLUSION: Limited evidence suggests that physical performance of nonathletic trans people who have undergone GAHT for at least 2 years approaches that of cisgender controls. Further controlled longitudinal research is needed in trans athletes and nonathletes.


Subject(s)
Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Male , Humans , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Physical Functional Performance
7.
J Endocrinol Invest ; 47(2): 401-410, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37450195

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Preliminary data suggested that bone mineral density (BMD) in transgender adults before initiating gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is lower when compared to cisgender controls. In this study, we analyzed bone metabolism in a sample of transgender adults before GAHT, and its possible correlation with biochemical profile, body composition and lifestyle habits (i.e., tobacco smoke and physical activity). METHODS: Medical data, smoking habits, phospho-calcic and hormonal blood tests and densitometric parameters were collected in a sample of 125 transgender adults, 78 Assigned Females At Birth (AFAB) and 47 Assigned Males At Birth (AMAB) before GAHT initiation and 146 cisgender controls (57 females and 89 males) matched by sex assigned at birth and age. 55 transgender and 46 cisgender controls also underwent a complete body composition evaluation and assessment of physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: 14.3% of transgender and 6.2% of cisgender sample, respectively, had z-score values < -2 (p = 0.04). We observed only lower vitamin D values in transgender sample regarding biochemical/hormonal profile. AFAB transgender people had more total fat mass, while AMAB transgender individuals had reduced total lean mass as compared to cisgender people (53.94 ± 7.74 vs 58.38 ± 6.91, p < 0.05). AFAB transgender adults were more likely to be active smokers and tend to spend more time indoor. Fat Mass Index (FMI) was correlated with lumbar and femur BMD both in transgender individuals, while no correlations were found between lean mass parameters and BMD in AMAB transgender people. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition and lifestyle factors could contribute to low BMD in transgender adults before GAHT.


Subject(s)
Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Male , Adult , Female , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Bone Density , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Gender Identity , Body Composition
8.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab ; 109(6): 1565-1579, 2024 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38099569

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The role of body modifications induced by gonadal suppression in transgender and gender diverse adolescents on psychological functioning has not yet been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the present study was to explore several hormone, physical and psychological functioning changes during gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) treatment in transgender and gender diverse adolescents (TGDAs). The potential relationship between the physical and hormone effects of GnRHa and psychological well-being, along with its magnitude, was assessed for the first time. METHODS: This prospective multidisciplinary study included 36 TGDA (22 assigned female at birth, and 14 assigned male at birth) who received psychological assessment followed by triptorelin prescription after referring to the Florence Gender Clinic. This study consisted of 3 time points: first referral (T0), psychological assessment (T1); and treatment with intramuscular injections of triptorelin for 3 up to 12 months (T2). Psychometric questionnaires were administered at each time point, and clinical and biochemical evaluations were performed at T1 and T2. RESULTS: The following results were found: (1) GnRHa showed efficacy in inhibiting puberty progression in TGDAs; (2) an increase in psychopathology was observed before starting GnRHa (T1) compared with baseline levels; (3) during GnRHa treatment (T2), a significant improvement in psychological functioning, as well as decrease in suicidality, body uneasiness, depression, and anxiety levels were observed; (4) hormone and physical changes (in terms of gonadotropin and sex steroid levels, height and body mass index percentiles, waist-hip ratio, and acne severity) observed during triptorelin treatment significantly correlated with a reduction in suicidal ideation, anxiety, and body image concerns. CONCLUSION: Psychological improvement in TGDA on GnRHa seems to be related to the objective body changes induced by a GnRHa. Therefore, the rationale for treatment with a GnRHa may not only be considered an extension of the evaluation phase, but also the start of a medical (even if reversible) gender-affirming path, especially in TGDAs whose puberty has already progressed.


Subject(s)
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone , Transgender Persons , Triptorelin Pamoate , Humans , Female , Male , Adolescent , Transgender Persons/psychology , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/analogs & derivatives , Triptorelin Pamoate/therapeutic use , Triptorelin Pamoate/administration & dosage , Prospective Studies , Puberty/drug effects , Puberty/psychology , Puberty/physiology , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Transsexualism/psychology , Sex Reassignment Procedures/methods
9.
Psychoneuroendocrinology ; 155: 106336, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37499299

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sex-specific differences in brain connectivity were found in various neuroimaging studies, though little is known about sex steroid effects on insular functioning. Based on well-characterized sex differences in emotion regulation, interoception and higher-level cognition, gender-dysphoric individuals receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy represent an interesting cohort to investigate how sex hormones might influence insular connectivity and related brain functions. METHODS: To analyze the potential effect of sex steroids on insular connectivity at rest, 11 transgender women, 14 transgender men, 20 cisgender women, and 11 cisgender men were recruited. All participants underwent two magnetic resonance imaging sessions involving resting-state acquisitions separated by a median time period of 4.5 months and also completed the Bermond-Vorst alexithymia questionnaire at the initial and final examination. Between scans, transgender subjects received gender-affirming hormone therapy. RESULTS: A seed based functional connectivity analysis revealed a significant 2-way interaction effect of group-by-time between right insula, cingulum, left middle frontal gyrus and left angular gyrus. Post-hoc tests demonstrated an increase in connectivity for transgender women when compared to cisgender men. Furthermore, spectral dynamic causal modelling showed reduced effective connectivity from the posterior cingulum and left angular gyrus to the left middle frontal gyrus as well as from the right insula to the left middle frontal gyrus. Alexithymia changes were found after gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender women in both fantasizing and identifying. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a considerable influence of estrogen administration and androgen suppression on brain networks implicated in interoception, own-body perception and higher-level cognition.


Subject(s)
Gender Dysphoria , Transsexualism , Humans , Male , Female , Gender Dysphoria/drug therapy , Gender Identity , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Brain , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Gonadal Steroid Hormones/pharmacology , Steroids
10.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg ; 81: 34-41, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37084532

ABSTRACT

The increased awareness of the transgender population and their medical needs has given rise to a wide array of gender-affirming surgeries and hormonal therapies. To better understand the implication of testosterone therapy on female-to-male gender-affirming mastectomies, we conducted a retrospective cohort study based on the medical histories of 170 transgender males operated on by a single surgeon over 18 years. One hundred and one (59.4%) patients received hormonal therapy. The average age of patients in the testosterone treatment group was 20.6 ± 5.3 (range 14-49) years. The median weight of resected breast tissue was 318 g (IQR 221-515) and 311.5 g (IQR 223-480) in patients treated with testosterone, compared to 380 g (IQR 225-735) and 370 g (IQR 240-700) in patients without testosterone treatment (for the right and left breast, respectively). Supplementary liposuction was performed in 35 patients, of whom 23 (64%) were treated with testosterone. Fifty-four patients (31.7%) experienced surgical complications, and 55.6% of complications were recorded in the group treated with testosterone. Forty-nine patients (28.8%) recorded their satisfaction using the Likert satisfaction scale; the average satisfaction was 4.86 ± 0.35 in the non-testosterone group and 4.63 ± 0.69 in the testosterone group. Opposing previous cohorts, we did not find a statistically significant association between testosterone and increased surgical complications in gender-affirming mastectomies. Possible explanations include our practice of avoiding testosterone therapy several weeks before the operation and vigorous hemostasis methods.


Subject(s)
Sex Reassignment Surgery , Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Transsexualism/surgery , Wound Healing
12.
J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol ; 15(3): 276-284, 2023 08 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36987788

ABSTRACT

Objective: A significant rise in the number of trans adolescents seeking medical interventions has been reported in recent years. The aim of this study was to report the clinical features, treatment, and follow-up of adolescents with gender dysphoria (GD) with our increased experience. Methods: Twenty-six male-to-female (MTF) and twenty-seven female-to-male (FTM) adolescents who were referred to the GD-outpatient clinic between 2016 and 2022 were reviewed. The clinical and laboratory findings of thirty transgender adolescents (15 FTM /15 MTF) who received medical intervention were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Most individuals (60.4%) were admitted between 2020 and 2022, and the remaining (39.6%) were admitted between 2016 and 2019. At the time of referral, median age was 16.3 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1.53; range 13.2-19.4] in 26 MTF, and 16.4 years (IQR 1.74; range 11.7-21.6) in 27 FTM adolescents. The median age at pubertal blockage with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog and androgen receptor blocker was 16.4 years (IQR 1.4; range 11.7-17.8) in 22 adolescents (9 MTF, 13 FTM), and 17.4 years (IQR 1.4; range 15.5-19.4) in 6 MTF individuals, respectively. Cross-sex hormone therapy was commenced in 21 adolescents (12 MTF, 9 FTM) at the median age of 17.7 years (IQR 0.61; range 16-19.5). Fifteen individuals (8 MTF, 7 FTM) have been transferred to the adult endocrinology department in transition clinics. Conclusion: All treatments were generally well tolerated and effective, including bicalutamide, and no significant side effects were observed. Transition clinics played an important role in the better management of gender reassignment processes.


Subject(s)
Gender Dysphoria , Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Adult , Humans , Male , Child , Female , Adolescent , Infant , Retrospective Studies , Gender Dysphoria/therapy , Turkey/epidemiology , Transsexualism/drug therapy
13.
Sex Health ; 20(1): 96-98, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36653020

ABSTRACT

The number of transgender people who request hormone treatment is increasing worldwide. We obtained base clinical and demographic information from transgender people treated at a specialised clinic in Spain (n =484) and studied changes over time. Transgender women treated in 2009-14 were older than those treated in 2015-20 (29years vs 17years), had a lower academic level and had higher anxiolytics consumption. Transgender men treated in 2009-14 were older than those treated later (27years vs 17years) and had a lower academic level. These trends reflect favourable changes in how the transgender population is treated by society and health services.


Subject(s)
Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Male , Humans , Female , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Morbidity
14.
Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr (Engl Ed) ; 70 Suppl 1: 27-37, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36543601

ABSTRACT

In the past five years, healthcare organisation for trans people in Spain has changed as laws intended to protect sexual and gender diversity have been put in place. As a result, endocrinologists are not only on the front lines (understood as prescribing and following up gender-affirming hormone therapy) but also coordinating multidisciplinary healthcare for these individuals. Advances in transgender medicine, the complexity of diverse trans identities and the impact of hormone therapy on quality of life and risk of middle- and long-term complications call for in-depth examination of a personalised biopsychosocial approach to trans people that requires specific training in this field of knowledge as well as updates on the concepts, terminology and drug treatments used.


Subject(s)
Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Humans , Male , Female , Gender Identity , Quality of Life , Transgender Persons/psychology , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Hormones/therapeutic use
15.
Plast Reconstr Surg ; 151(2): 421-427, 2023 02 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36374270

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gender-affirming mastectomy, or "top surgery," has become one of the most frequently performed procedures for transgender and nonbinary patients. However, management of perioperative testosterone therapy remains controversial. Despite a lack of supporting evidence, many surgeons require cessation of testosterone before top surgery. This is the first study to compare complication rates in patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy with and without discontinuation of perioperative testosterone. METHODS: This retrospective review included patients undergoing top surgery by the senior author between 2017 and 2020. Reflecting a change in the senior author's practice, before May of 2019, all patients were required to discontinue testosterone before surgery; all patients treated after this point continued their testosterone regimens throughout the perioperative period. Patients were stratified according to testosterone regimen and perioperative hormone management, with demographic characteristics and postoperative outcomes compared among groups. RESULTS: A total of 490 patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy during the study period were included. Testosterone was held perioperatively in 175 patients and continued in 211 patients; 104 patients never received testosterone therapy. Demographic characteristics were similar among groups and there was no difference in rates of hematoma (2.9% versus 2.8% versus 2.9%, respectively; P = 0.99), seroma (1.1% versus 0% versus 1%, respectively; P = 0.31), venous thromboembolism (0% versus 0.5% versus 0%, respectively; P = 0.99), or overall complications (6.9% versus 4.3% versus 5.8%, respectively; P = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate no difference in postoperative complication rates among groups. Whereas further investigation is warranted, our data suggest that routine cessation of testosterone in the perioperative period is not necessary for patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Sex Reassignment Surgery , Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Humans , Female , Mastectomy/adverse effects , Mastectomy/methods , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Breast Neoplasms/surgery , Sex Reassignment Surgery/methods , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Transsexualism/surgery
16.
Int J Risk Saf Med ; 34(1): 21-28, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35964205

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gender dysphoria is characterised by a sense of distress because of discordance between the self-perception of gender identity and the assigned sex. Hormonal treatment of transgender males uses testosterone to induce and preserve masculinisation. OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the safety of testosterone therapy in transgender males. METHODS: The present study used a retrospective file review of transgender male subjects who were treated with testosterone (initially transdermal testosterone gel and subsequently parenteral testosterone undecanoate) for at least 18 months and had subsequently achieved a serum testosterone level within the normal range of cisgender male counterparts. Changes in somatometric data and blood biomarkers were investigated. RESULTS: The mean testosterone serum levels after approximately 18 months of treatment were about 545 ng/dL (SD ± 94 ng/dL). There was a statistically significant rise in body mass index (𝜒d = +1.23 kg/m2) with a reduction in blood glucose (𝜒d = -5.33 mg/dL) as well as statistically significant increases in aspartate transaminase (𝜒d = +4.3 U/L), haemoglobin (𝜒d = +1.72 g/dL), and haematocrit (𝜒d = +4.76%). In contrast, there were no significant changes in the lipidaemic profile of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with testosterone is routinely used for the promotion of virilising physical changes in transgender males. However, the likelihood of adverse effects of continuous treatment is still unclear. This study contributed to the notion that achieving testosterone levels within the target range is a prerequisite for the safety of the gender-affirming treatment.


Subject(s)
Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Humans , Male , Female , Gender Identity , Retrospective Studies , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Testosterone/adverse effects
18.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab ; 107(9): e3937-e3943, 2022 08 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35452119

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Concerns about future regret and treatment discontinuation have led to restricted access to gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) minors in some jurisdictions. However, these concerns are merely speculative because few studies have examined gender-affirming hormone continuation rates among TGD individuals. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of 2009 to 2018 medical and pharmacy records from the US Military Healthcare System. We identified TGD patients who were children and spouses of active-duty, retired, or deceased military members using International Classification of Diseases-9/10 codes. We assessed initiation and continuation of gender-affirming hormones using pharmacy records. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses estimated continuation rates. RESULTS: The study sample included 627 transmasculine and 325 transfeminine individuals with an average age of 19.2 ±â€…5.3 years. The 4-year gender-affirming hormone continuation rate was 70.2% (95% CI, 63.9-76.5). Transfeminine individuals had a higher continuation rate than transmasculine individuals 81.0% (72.0%-90.0%) vs 64.4% (56.0%-72.8%). People who started hormones as minors had higher continuation rate than people who started as adults 74.4% (66.0%-82.8%) vs 64.4% (56.0%-72.8%). Continuation was not associated with household income or family member type. In Cox regression, both transmasculine gender identity (hazard ratio, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.50-3.86) and starting hormones as an adult (hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.14-2.52) were independently associated with increased discontinuation rates. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that >70% of TGD individuals who start gender-affirming hormones will continue use beyond 4 years, with higher continuation rates in transfeminine individuals. Patients who start hormones, with their parents' assistance, before age 18 years have higher continuation rates than adults.


Subject(s)
Gender Dysphoria , Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Female , Gender Dysphoria/drug therapy , Gender Dysphoria/epidemiology , Gender Identity , Hormones , Humans , Male , Transsexualism/drug therapy , Transsexualism/epidemiology , Young Adult
19.
J Sex Med ; 19(7): 1173-1184, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35418328

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is currently unknown whether there are differences in desire for gender affirming medical treatment (GAMT) between binary and non-binary transgender individuals, although the latter seek treatment less prevalently. AIM: To investigate differences between binary and non-binary individuals on received GAMT, desire for GAMT, and motives for (not) wanting GAMT, and to explore the association between having an unfulfilled treatment desire and general and sexual well-being. METHODS: We conducted an online questionnaire in a community sample of 125 transgender men, 72 transgender women, and 62 non-binary transgender individuals (age: M = 30.4, SD = 11.31, range 18-69). OUTCOME MEASURES: Undergone GAMT, GAMT desire, motives for (not) wanting (further) GAMT, Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, transgender-specific body image worries, and sexual self-concept discrepancies. RESULTS: Binary transgender participants reported having undergone more GAMT procedures than non-binary transgender participants (P < .001 for both gender affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) and gender affirming surgery (GAS)). While binary participants reported a stronger desire for GAHT compared to non-binary participants (X2(1, N = 93) = 32.63, P < .001), the groups did not differ in their desire for GAS (X2(1, N = 247) = 0.68, P = .411). Binary and non-binary participants reported similar reasons for wanting treatment, mostly related to body and/or gender incongruence and gender affirmation. In terms of not wanting treatment, the non-binary group reported their gender identity as the most important reason, while the binary group mostly mentioned possible medical complications. The majority of both groups had an unfulfilled treatment desire (69% of binary participants and 64.5% of non-binary participants), which was related to lower levels of general life satisfaction (P < .001) and sexual satisfaction (P = .005), more anxiety (P = .006) and transgender-specific body image worries (P < .001), and larger sexual self-concept discrepancies (P < .001 for actual and/or ideal, P < .001 for actual and/or ought). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Systemic barriers to GAMT (especially GAS) should be removed not only for binary but also for non-binary identifying transgender individuals to decrease the discrepancy between treatment desire and actually seeking treatment. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This study was the first to systematically investigate differences in treatment desire motives between binary and non-binary transgender individuals, while also showing the possible negative consequences of an unfulfilled treatment desire. Given the online character of the study, results may not generalize to the broader transgender community. CONCLUSION: Similarly to binary transgender individuals, many non-binary transgender individuals have a desire for GAMT, and not being able to receive GAMT has a negative effect on their mental and sexual health. Further efforts should be made to make GAMT accessible for all transgender individuals, regardless of gender identity. Kennis M, Duecker F, T'Sjoen G, et al. Gender Affirming Medical Treatment Desire and Treatment Motives in Binary and Non-Binary Transgender Individuals. J Sex Med 2022;19:1173-1184.


Subject(s)
Gender Dysphoria , Sex Reassignment Surgery , Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Female , Gender Dysphoria/drug therapy , Gender Identity , Humans , Male , Transsexualism/drug therapy
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...