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Gelles-Soto D, Ward D, Florio T, Kouzounis K, Salgado CJ. Maximizing surgical outcomes with gender affirming hormone therapy in gender affirmation surgery. J Clin Transl Endocrinol 2024; 36:100355. [PMID: 38881950 PMCID: PMC11179057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcte.2024.100355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Gender Affirmation Surgery (GAS) is a super specialized subset within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) that is ever evolving and of increasing interest to the PRS community. It is a multifaceted process which, in addition to surgical therapy, involves mental health therapy and hormonal therapy. One rapidly emerging interest within GAS is the role that gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) plays in enhancing surgical outcomes. GAHT has been used adjunctively with GAS as a comprehensive therapy to ameliorate gender dysphoria. This literature review will examine the positive effects of GAHT on the surgical outcomes on GAS, as well as other important considerations prior to surgery. As such, the primary objective of this literature review is to evaluate and assess the current evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of GAHT, as it relates to Gender Affirmation Surgery procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desha Gelles-Soto
- Constructive Surgery Associates, 1330 Coral Way, Suite 306, Miami, FL 33145, United States
| | - Danielle Ward
- Larkin Community Hospital - Palm Springs Campus, Plastic Surgery Division, 1475 W 49th Pl, Hialeah, FL 33012, United States
| | - Taylor Florio
- Larkin Community Hospital - Palm Springs Campus, Plastic Surgery Division, 1475 W 49th Pl, Hialeah, FL 33012, United States
| | | | - Christopher J Salgado
- Constructive Surgery Associates, 1330 Coral Way, Suite 306, Miami, FL 33145, United States
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Grock S, Weinreb J, Williams KC, Weimer A, Fadich S, Patel R, Geft A, Korenman S. Priorities for efficacy trials of gender-affirming hormone therapy with estrogen: collaborative design and results of a community survey. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:287-295. [PMID: 38311658 PMCID: PMC11219452 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-024-00532-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment guidelines for gender-affirming hormone therapy with estrogen (GAHT-E) recommend specific dosing regimens based on limited data. Well-controlled efficacy trials are essential to tailoring treatment to patient goals as the guidelines recommend. The goal of this study was to take a foundational step toward designing community-centered effectiveness trials for gender-diverse individuals seeking GAHT-E. METHODS Our team developed a cross-sectional survey based on broad clinical experience and consultation with our community advisory board. The survey included 60 items covering demographics, transition history, goals and priorities for treatment, indicators of treatment success, sexual function goals, and future research priorities. The survey was distributed during the summer of 2021, primarily through social networks designed for gender-expansive individuals seeking treatment with estrogen. RESULTS A total of 1270 individuals completed the survey. Overall treatment goals most frequently rated "extremely important" or "very important" were the following: (1) improved satisfaction with life (81%), (2) appearing more feminine (80%), (3) appearing less masculine (77%), (4) improved mental health (76%), and (5) being seen as your true gender by others (75%). The three body characteristics most frequently rated "highest priority" or "high priority" among changes were the following: (1) facial hair (85%), (2) breast shape or size (84%), and (3) body shape (80%). The highest-rated research priority was comparing feminization with different routes of estrogen administration. CONCLUSION The goals and experiences of individuals seeking GAHT-E are diverse. Future clinical trials of GAHT-E should be grounded in the needs and priorities of community stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Grock
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- UCLA Gender Health Program, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Jane Weinreb
- University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
| | - Kristen C Williams
- UCLA Gender Health Program, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Amy Weimer
- University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- UCLA Gender Health Program, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sarah Fadich
- University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Reema Patel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- UCLA Gender Health Program, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Atara Geft
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
| | - Stanley Korenman
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- UCLA Gender Health Program, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Sweeney C, Gilsenan A, Calingaert B, Moeller C, Schomakers G, Sok A, Holzmann R, Pisa F. Physician Awareness of the Safe Use of Cyproterone Acetate in Europe: A Survey on the Effectiveness of Additional Risk Minimization Measures. Pharmaceut Med 2024; 38:145-156. [PMID: 38296916 PMCID: PMC10948458 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-023-00510-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyproterone acetate (CPA) is a synthetic progesterone derivative introduced in the 1970s and prescribed as antiandrogenic therapy for inoperable prostate cancer, sexual deviations in men, and signs of androgenization in women. In 2020, the CPA summary of product characteristics (SmPC) was revised to include an updated special warning and precaution about (1) the risk of meningioma with increasing cumulative dose and (2) contraindication in patients with meningioma or history of meningioma. A Direct Healthcare Professional Communication (DHPC) was distributed. The European Medicine Agency's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee requested that marketing authorization holders in Europe conduct a survey to assess physicians' knowledge of the updated key safety information. The primary objective of this study was to measure physicians' awareness (i.e., did they receive and review the revised SmPC and DHPC) and level of knowledge and understanding of the key safety information pertaining to the restricted use of CPA monotherapy because of the risk of meningioma. METHODS This cross-sectional web-based survey was administered to dermatologists, endocrinologists, gynecologists, urologists, oncologists, psychiatrists, and general practitioners in France, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands who had prescribed CPA monotherapy in the previous 12 months to assess awareness of the risk of meningioma associated with CPA monotherapy. RESULTS Of the 613 physicians who participated, 85% correctly indicated that CPA monotherapy should be prescribed with the lowest effective dose, 75% correctly indicated that the risk of meningioma increases with increasing cumulative CPA monotherapy doses, and 73% correctly indicated that treatment with CPA-containing products must be stopped permanently if a patient is diagnosed with meningioma. Overall, 40% of physicians reported having received the DHPC, and 42% reported having received the revised SmPC. CONCLUSIONS Despite low recall of receipt of the updated SmPC and DHPC, most physicians surveyed are aware of the meningioma risk and actions to mitigate the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Sweeney
- RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Alicia Gilsenan
- RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alen Sok
- Bayer d.o.o, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Sehgal I. Review of adult gender transition medications: mechanisms, efficacy measures, and pharmacogenomic considerations. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1184024. [PMID: 37476490 PMCID: PMC10355117 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1184024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender dysphoria is the imparity between a person's experienced gender and their birth-assigned gender. Gender transition is the process of adapting a person's sexual characteristics to match their experienced gender. The number of adults receiving sex hormone therapy for gender dysphoria is increasingly and these pharmacotherapies are increasing being prescribed in a general practice setting. The role of hormone therapy is to reverse or reduce physical sexual characteristics of the birth-assigned gender and enhance and build characteristics aligning to the expressed gender and these therapies apply to both transgender and gender nonconforming patients. Recognizing the options and interpreting the effects of gender transition therapies are fundamental to the discussion and treatment of gender dysphoria. This review summarizes pharmacodynamics, comparative dosing, adverse effects, monitoring, and potential pharmacogenetic influence of current pharmacotherapy. These include the use of 17-beta-estradiol, spironolactone, testosterone, GnRH agonists as well as adjunctive phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. The article also addresses gaps within the published literature including optimal routes of administration for individual patients, risks of malignancy and dosing reductions as transgender patients age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inder Sehgal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT, United States
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Cohn J. The Detransition Rate Is Unknown. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1937-1952. [PMID: 37308601 PMCID: PMC10322769 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02623-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Cohn
- Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine, Twin Falls, ID, 83301-5235, USA.
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Cohn J. Some Limitations of "Challenges in the Care of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth: An Endocrinologist's View". JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022:1-17. [PMID: 36565052 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2160396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is significant disagreement about how to support trans-identified or gender-dysphoric young people. Different experts and expert bodies make strikingly different recommendations based upon the same (limited) evidence. The US-originating "gender-affirmative" model emphasizes social transition and medical intervention, while some other countries, in response to evidence reviews of medical intervention outcomes, have adopted psychological interventions as the first line of treatment. A proposed model of gender-affirming care, comprising only medical intervention for "eligible" youth, is described in Rosenthal (2021). Determining eligibility for these medical interventions is challenging and engenders considerable disagreement among experts, neither of which is mentioned. The review also claims without support that medical interventions have been shown to clearly benefit mental health, and leaves out significant risks and less invasive alternatives. The unreliability of outcome studies and the corresponding uncertainties as to how gender dysphoria develops and responds to treatment are also unreported.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cohn
- Society for Evidence-based Gender Medicine (SEGM), Twin Falls, ID, USA
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Malone WJ, Hruz PW, Mason JW, Beck S. Letter to the Editor from William J. Malone et al: "Proper Care of Transgender and Gender-diverse Persons in the Setting of Proposed Discrimination: A Policy Perspective". J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e3287-e3288. [PMID: 33772300 PMCID: PMC8277208 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William J Malone
- Department of Medicine, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, Boise, ID 83328, USA
- Correspondence: William J. Malone, MD, 625 Pole Line Road West, Suite 2A, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA. E-mail:
| | - Paul W Hruz
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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The Scientific and Cultural Journey to Ovarian Rejuvenation: Background, Barriers, and Beyond the Biological Clock. MEDICINES 2021; 8:medicines8060029. [PMID: 34201170 PMCID: PMC8228162 DOI: 10.3390/medicines8060029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Female age has been known to define reproductive outcome since antiquity; attempts to improve ovarian function may be considered against a sociocultural landscape that foreshadows current practice. Ancient writs heralded the unlikely event of an older woman conceiving as nothing less than miraculous. Always deeply personal and sometimes dynastically pivotal, the goal of achieving pregnancy often engaged elite healers or revered clerics for help. The sorrow of defeat became a potent motif of barrenness or miscarriage lamented in art, music, and literature. Less well known is that rejuvenation practices from the 1900s were not confined to gynecology, as older men also eagerly pursued methods to turn back their biological clock. This interest coalesced within the nascent field of endocrinology, then an emerging specialty. The modern era of molecular science is now offering proof-of-concept evidence to address the once intractable problem of low or absent ovarian reserve. Yet, ovarian rejuvenation by platelet-rich plasma (PRP) originates from a heritage shared with both hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and sex reassignment surgery. These therapeutic ancestors later developed into allied, but now distinct, clinical fields. Here, current iterations of intraovarian PRP are discussed with historical and cultural precursors centering on cell and tissue regenerative effects. Intraovarian PRP thus shows promise for women in menopause as an alternative to conventional HRT, and to those seeking pregnancy—either with advanced reproductive technologies or as unassisted conceptions.
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Dahlen S, Connolly D, Arif I, Junejo MH, Bewley S, Meads C. International clinical practice guidelines for gender minority/trans people: systematic review and quality assessment. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048943. [PMID: 33926984 PMCID: PMC8094331 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify and critically appraise published clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) regarding healthcare of gender minority/trans people. DESIGN Systematic review and quality appraisal using AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation tool), including stakeholder domain prioritisation. SETTING Six databases and six CPG websites were searched, and international key opinion leaders approached. PARTICIPANTS CPGs relating to adults and/or children who are gender minority/trans with no exclusions due to comorbidities, except differences in sex development. INTERVENTION Any health-related intervention connected to the care of gender minority/trans people. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Number and quality of international CPGs addressing the health of gender minority/trans people, information on estimated changes in mortality or quality of life (QoL), consistency of recommended interventions across CPGs, and appraisal of key messages for patients. RESULTS Twelve international CPGs address gender minority/trans people's healthcare as complete (n=5), partial (n=4) or marginal (n=3) focus of guidance. The quality scores have a wide range and heterogeneity whichever AGREE II domain is prioritised. Five higher-quality CPGs focus on HIV and other blood-borne infections (overall assessment scores 69%-94%). Six lower-quality CPGs concern transition-specific interventions (overall assessment scores 11%-56%). None deal with primary care, mental health or longer-term medical issues. Sparse information on estimated changes in mortality and QoL is conflicting. Consistency between CPGs could not be examined due to unclear recommendations within the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care Version 7 and a lack of overlap between other CPGs. None provide key messages for patients. CONCLUSIONS A paucity of high-quality guidance for gender minority/trans people exists, largely limited to HIV and transition, but not wider aspects of healthcare, mortality or QoL. Reference to AGREE II, use of systematic reviews, independent external review, stakeholder participation and patient facing material might improve future CPG quality. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019154361.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dahlen
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dean Connolly
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Addictions Department, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | | | - Muhammad Hyder Junejo
- Genitourinary Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- 56 Dean St, London, UK
| | - Susan Bewley
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Catherine Meads
- Faculty of Health, Medicine, Education and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University - Cambridge Campus, Cambridge, UK
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Haupt C, Henke M, Kutschmar A, Hauser B, Baldinger S, Saenz SR, Schreiber G. Antiandrogen or estradiol treatment or both during hormone therapy in transitioning transgender women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 11:CD013138. [PMID: 33251587 PMCID: PMC8078580 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013138.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender dysphoria is described as a mismatch between an individual's experienced or expressed gender and their assigned gender, based on primary or secondary sexual characteristics. Gender dysphoria can be associated with clinically significant psychological distress and may result in a desire to change sexual characteristics. The process of adapting a person's sexual characteristics to their desired sex is called 'transition.' Current guidelines suggest hormonal and, if needed, surgical intervention to aid transition in transgender women, i.e. persons who aim to transition from male to female. In adults, hormone therapy aims to reverse the body's male attributes and to support the development of female attributes. It usually includes estradiol, antiandrogens, or a combination of both. Many individuals first receive hormone therapy alone, without surgical interventions. However, this is not always sufficient to change such attributes as facial bone structure, breasts, and genitalia, as desired. For these transgender women, surgery may then be used to support transition. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of hormone therapy with antiandrogens, estradiol, or both, compared to each other or placebo, in transgender women in transition. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, Biosis Preview, PsycINFO, and PSYNDEX. We carried out our final searches on 19 December 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA We aimed to include randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cohort studies that enrolled transgender women, age 16 years and over, in transition from male to female. Eligible studies investigated antiandrogen and estradiol hormone therapies alone or in combination, in comparison to another form of the active intervention, or placebo control. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane to establish study eligibility. MAIN RESULTS Our database searches identified 1057 references, and after removing duplicates we screened 787 of these. We checked 13 studies for eligibility at the full text screening stage. We excluded 12 studies and identified one as an ongoing study. We did not identify any completed studies that met our inclusion criteria. The single ongoing study is an RCT conducted in Thailand, comparing estradiol valerate plus cyproterone treatment with estradiol valerate plus spironolactone treatment. The primary outcome will be testosterone level at three month follow-up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found insufficient evidence to determine the efficacy or safety of hormonal treatment approaches for transgender women in transition. This lack of studies shows a gap between current clinical practice and clinical research. Robust RCTs and controlled cohort studies are needed to assess the benefits and harms of hormone therapy (used alone or in combination) for transgender women in transition. Studies should specifically focus on short-, medium-, and long-term adverse effects, quality of life, and participant satisfaction with the change in male to female body characteristics of antiandrogen and estradiol therapy alone, and in combination. They should also focus on the relative effects of these hormones when administered orally, transdermally, and intramuscularly. We will include non-controlled cohort studies in the next iteration of this review, as our review has shown that such studies provide the highest quality evidence currently available in the field. We will take into account methodological limitations when doing so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Haupt
- Medical Service for Transgenders Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Henke
- Independent Transgender Consultant, Rothenburg, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Hauser
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics, HRT Transgender Center Medical Practice, Hohenstein, Germany
| | | | | | - Gerhard Schreiber
- Institute for Theology and Social Ethics, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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