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Tienforti D, Savignano G, Spagnolo L, Di Giulio F, Baroni MG, Barbonetti A. Biochemical liver damage during gender affirming therapy in trans adults assigned female at birth: a meta-analysis. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02418-y. [PMID: 38909133 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02418-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effects of testosterone (T)-based gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on liver blood tests (LBTs) in assigned female at birth adults, using a meta-analytic approach. METHODS Prospective and retrospective studies were selected that reported the prevalence of biochemical liver damage (BLD) and LBTs changes during T therapy. Data collected included pre-and-during therapy alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) mean concentration values. RESULTS The prevalence of BLD in 14 studies on 1698 subjects was 1% (95% CI 0.00-3.00; I2 = 14.1%; p = 0.82). In 17 studies on 2758 subjects, GAHT was associated with a statistically (but not clinically) significant increase in AST, GGT and ALP at 12 months and ALT at 3-7 (MD: 1.19 IU/l; 95% CI 0.31, 2.08; I2: 0%), at 12 (MD: 2.31 IU/l; 95% CI 1.41, 3.21; I2: 29%), but with no more significant increase at 24 months (MD: 1.71 IU/l; 95% CI -0.02, 3.44; I2: 0%). CONCLUSIONS Analysis of aggregate estimates confirms a low risk of BLD and abnormalities in LBTs, transient in most cases, during T-based GAHT, thus suggesting a limited need for careful liver monitoring in AFAB people.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tienforti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - G Savignano
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - L Spagnolo
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F Di Giulio
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M G Baroni
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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Defreyne J, Vander Stichele C, Iwamoto SJ, T'Sjoen G. Gender-affirming hormonal therapy for transgender and gender-diverse people-A narrative review. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102296. [PMID: 36596713 PMCID: PMC11197232 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As the number of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people accessing gender-affirming care increases, the need for healthcare professionals (HCPs) providing gender-affirming hormonal therapy (GAHT) also increases. This chapter provides an overview of the HCPs interested in getting involved in providing GAHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Defreyne
- Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Clara Vander Stichele
- Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sean J Iwamoto
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, and Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - G T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Ford K, Huggins E, Sheean P. Characterising body composition and bone health in transgender individuals receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy. J Hum Nutr Diet 2022; 35:1105-1114. [PMID: 35509260 PMCID: PMC9790536 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is prescribed to produce secondary sex characteristics aligning external anatomy with gender identity to mitigate gender dysphoria. Transgender women are generally treated with oestrogens and anti-androgens, whereas transgender men are treated with testosterone. The objective of this narrative review was to characterise the influence of GAHT on body composition and bone health in the transgender population to help address weight concerns and chronic disease risk. METHODS Studies were extracted from PubMed and Scopus and limited to only those utilising imaging technologies for precise adipose tissue, lean mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) quantification. RESULTS Although methodologies differed across the 20 investigations that qualified for inclusion, clear relationships emerged. Specifically, among transgender women, most studies supported associations between oestrogen therapy and decreases in lean mass and increases in both, fat mass and body mass index (BMI). Within transgender men, all studies reported associations between testosterone therapy and increases in lean mass, and although not as consistent, increases in BMI and decreases in fat mass. No consistent changes in BMD noted for either group. CONCLUSIONS Additional research is needed to appropriately assess and evaluate the implications of these body composition changes over time (beyond 1 year) in larger, more diverse groups across all BMI categories. Future studies should also seek to evaluate nutrient intake, energy expenditure and other important lifestyle habits to diminish health disparities within this vulnerable population. Policies are needed to help integrate registered dietitians into the routine care of transgender individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ky Ford
- Department of Applied Health SciencesLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Patricia Sheean
- Department of Applied Health SciencesLoyola University ChicagoMaywoodIllinoisUSA
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Madsen MC, den Heijer M, Pees C, Biermasz NR, Bakker LEH. Testosterone in men with hypogonadism and transgender males: a systematic review comparing three different preparations. Endocr Connect 2022; 11:e220112. [PMID: 35904217 PMCID: PMC9346330 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone therapy is the cornerstone in the care of men with hypogonadism and transgender males. Gel and intramuscular injections are most frequently used and are registered and included in the international guidelines. The specific preparation should be selected according to the patient's preference, cost, availability, and formulation-specific properties. As the majority of men with hypogonadism and transgender males require lifelong treatment with testosterone, it is important to utilize a regimen that is effective, safe, inexpensive, and convenient to use with optimal mimicking of the physiological situation. This systematic review reviews current literature on differences between the three most used testosterone preparations in adult men with hypogonadism and transgender males. Although it appeared hardly any comparative studies have been carried out, there are indications of differences between the preparations, for example, on the stability of testosterone levels, hematocrit, bone mineral density, and patient satisfaction. However, there are no studies on the effects of testosterone replacement on endpoints such as cardiovascular disease in relation to hematocrit or osteoporotic fractures in relation to bone mineral density. The effect of testosterone therapy on health-related quality of life is strongly underexposed in the reviewed studies, while this is a highly relevant outcome measure from a patient perspective. In conclusion, current recommendations on testosterone treatment appear to be based on data primarily from non-randomized clinical studies and observational studies. The availability of reliable comparative data between the different preparations will assist in the process of individual decision-making to choose the most suitable formula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou Cecilia Madsen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin den Heijer
- Department of Internal Medicine and Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Claudia Pees
- Walaeus Library, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nienke R Biermasz
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Leontine E H Bakker
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Verroken C, Collet S, Lapauw B, T'Sjoen G. Osteoporosis and Bone Health in Transgender Individuals. Calcif Tissue Int 2022; 110:615-623. [PMID: 35366693 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-022-00972-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses the changes in bone mass, structure, and metabolism that occur upon gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) in transgender adults and adolescents, as well as their clinical relevance. In general, available evidence shows that GAHT in transgender adults is not associated with major bone loss. In transgender adolescents, pubertal suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist monotherapy impairs bone development, but at least partial recovery is observed after GAHT initiation. Nevertheless, a research gap remains concerning fracture risk and determinants of bone strength other than bone mineral density. Attention for bone health is warranted especially in adult as well as adolescent trans women, given the relatively high prevalence of low bone mass both before the start of treatment and after long-term GAHT in this population. Strategies to optimize bone health include monitoring of treatment compliance and ensuring adequate exposure to administered sex steroids, in addition to general bone health measures such as adequate physical activity, adequate vitamin D and calcium intake, and a healthy lifestyle. When risk factors for osteoporosis exist the threshold to perform DXA should be low, and treatment decisions should be based on the same guidelines as the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Verroken
- Unit for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sarah Collet
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Lapauw
- Unit for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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D'hoore L, T'Sjoen G. Gender-affirming hormone therapy: An updated literature review with an eye on the future. J Intern Med 2022; 291:574-592. [PMID: 34982475 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In line with increasing numbers of transgender (trans) and gender nonbinary people requesting hormone treatment, the body of available research is expanding. More clinical research groups are presenting data, and the numbers of participants in these studies are rising. Many previous review papers have focused on all available data, as these were scarce, but a more recent literature review is timely. Hormonal regimens have changed over time, and older data may be less relevant for today's practice. In recent literature, we have found that even though mental health problems are more prevalent in trans people compared to cisgender people, less psychological difficulties occur, and life satisfaction increases with gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) for those who feel this is a necessity. With GAHT, body composition and contours change towards the affirmed sex. Studies in bone health are reassuring, but special attention is needed for adolescent and adult trans women, aiming at adequate dosage of hormonal supplementation and stimulating therapy compliance. Existing epidemiological data suggest that the use of (certain) estrogens in trans women induces an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, the reason that lifestyle management can be an integral part of trans health care. The observed cancer risk in trans people does not exceed the known cancer-risk differences between men and women. Now it is time to integrate the mostly reassuring data, to leave the overly cautious approach behind, to not copy the same research questions repeatedly, and to focus on longer follow-up data with larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens D'hoore
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Fisher AD, Senofonte G, Cocchetti C, Guercio G, Lingiardi V, Meriggiola MC, Mosconi M, Motta G, Ristori J, Speranza AM, Pierdominici M, Maggi M, Corona G, Lombardo F. SIGIS-SIAMS-SIE position statement of gender affirming hormonal treatment in transgender and non-binary people. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:657-673. [PMID: 34677807 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01694-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gender Incongruence (GI) is a marked and persistent incongruence between an individual's experienced and the assigned gender at birth. In the recent years, there has been a considerable evolution and change in attitude as regards to gender nonconforming people. METHODS According to the Italian Society of Gender, Identity and Health (SIGIS), the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) and the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE) rules, a team of experts on the topic has been nominated by a SIGIS-SIAMS-SIE Guideline Board on the basis of their recognized clinical and research expertise in the field, and coordinated by a senior author, has prepared this Position statement. Later on, the present manuscript has been submitted to the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation for the normal process of international peer reviewing after a first internal revision process made by the SIGIS-SIAMS-SIE Guideline Board. RESULTS In the present document by the SIGIS-SIAMS-SIE group, we propose experts opinions concerning the psychological functioning, gender affirming hormonal treatment, safety concerns, emerging issues in transgender healthcare (sexual health, fertility issues, elderly trans people), and an Italian law overview aimed to improve gender non-conforming people care. CONCLUSION In this Position statement, we propose experts opinions concerning the psychological functioning of transgender people, the gender-affirming hormonal treatment (full/partial masculinization in assigned female at birth trans people, full/partial feminization and de-masculinization in assigned male at birth trans people), the emerging issues in transgender health care aimed to improve patient care. We have also included an overview of Italian law about gender affirming surgery and registry rectification.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Fisher
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Senofonte
- Laboratory of Seminology, Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - C Cocchetti
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Guercio
- Studio Legale Avv. Giovanni Guercio, Via Antonio Mordini, 14, 00195, Rome, Italy
| | - V Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - M C Meriggiola
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Mosconi
- Gender Identity Development Service, Hospital S. Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - G Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - J Ristori
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - A M Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - M Pierdominici
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Careggi University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Azienda-Usl, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology, Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Giacomelli G, Meriggiola MC. Bone health in transgender people: a narrative review. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2022; 13:20420188221099346. [PMID: 35651988 PMCID: PMC9150228 DOI: 10.1177/20420188221099346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone health in transmen and transwomen is an important issue that needs to be evaluated by clinicians. Prior to gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT), transwomen have lower bone mineral density (BMD) and a higher prevalence of osteopenia than cismen probably related to external factors, such as hypovitaminosis D and less physical activities. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in transgender youth may cause bone loss; however, the addition of GAHT restores or at least improves BMD in both transboys and transgirls. The maintenance or increase in BMD shown in short-term longitudinal studies emphasizes that GAHT does not have a negative effect on BMD in adult transwomen and transmen. Gonadectomy is not a risk factor if GAHT is taken correctly. The prevalence of fractures in the transgender population seems to be the same as in the general population but more studies are required on this aspect. To evaluate the risk of osteoporosis, it is mandatory to define the most appropriate reference group not only taking into consideration the medical aspects but also in respect of the selected gender identity of each person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Giacomelli
- Division of Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna. S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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