Sustained Breast Development and Breast Anthropometric Changes in 3 Years of Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment

Tumors, Treatments, and Trust: Cancer Characteristics, Outcomes, and Screening Uptake in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients

BACKGROUND

More than 2.5 million adults in the United States identify as transgender or gender-diverse (TGD), but little data exist on cancer screening and care for this population. We examined cancer characteristics, screening adherence, genetic testing, and provider inclusive language for TGD patients with cancer.

METHODS

This single institution retrospective cohort study identified TGD patients with cancer between 2000 and 2022. Demographic, clinicopathological, treatment, and screening data were collected, as well as data on gender-affirming care (GAC) and use of patients' personal pronouns in medical records. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to report outcomes.

RESULTS

Sixty unique patients with 69 cancer diagnoses were included: 63.3% were transgender women, 21.7% transgender men, 6.7% nonbinary, and 8.3% were genderqueer. Sixty-five percent had a family history of cancer. Only 46.2% of those who met genetic testing criteria were referred. On review of recommended cancer screening, colorectal screening had the greatest uptake (62%), followed by breast (48.3%), lung (35.7%), cervical (33.3%), and prostate (32%); 8.5% of cancers were diagnosed on screening. Individuals with Medicare had reduced odds of screening uptake (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.58) versus private insurance. With respect to GAC, 73.3% used gender-affirming hormone therapy and 41% had gender-affirming surgery. After initiating GAC and asserting personal pronouns, 75% were referred to by incorrect name/pronouns in provider documentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our TGD cancer patient cohort had low rates of disease-specific cancer screening and inadequate genetic referrals. Many providers did not use appropriate patient names/pronouns. Provider and patient interventions are needed to ensure inclusive preventative and oncologic care for this marginalized population.

A comparative study of 3D measuring methods for monitoring breast volume changes

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques are promising new tools for measuring breast volume, for example in gender-affirming therapy. Transgender individuals can be treated with gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). A robust method for monitoring breast volume changes is critical to be able to study the effects of feminizing GAHT. The primary aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of three 3D devices (Vectra XT, Artec LEO and iPhone XR) for measuring modest breast volume differences using a mannequin. The secondary aim of this study was to evaluate these methods in several performance domains. We used reference prostheses of increasing volumes and compared the volumes using GOM-inspect software. For Vectra XT 3D images, manufacturer-provided software was used to calculate volumes as well. The scanning methods were ranked based on their performance in a total of five categories: volume estimations, costs, user-friendliness, test subject-friendliness and technical aspects. The 3D models analyzed with GOM-inspect showed relative mean estimate differences from the actual volumes of 9.1% for the Vectra XT, 7.3% for the Artec LEO and 14% for the iPhone XR. For the Vectra XT models analyzed with the built-in software this was 6.2%. Root mean squared errors (RMSE) calculated based on the GOM-inspect volume analyses showed mean RMSEs of 2.27, 2.54 and 8.93 for the Vectra XT, Artec LEO and iPhone XR, respectively. The Vectra software had a mean RMSE of 3.00. In the combined performance ranking, the Vectra XT had the most favorable ranking, followed by the Artec LEO and the iPhone XR. The Vectra XT and Artec LEO are the preferred scanners to monitor breast development due to the combination of higher accuracy and overall performance. The current study shows that 3D techniques can be used to adequately measure modest breast volume differences and therefore will be useful to study for example breast changes in transgender individuals using feminizing GAHT. These observations may also be relevant in other fields of 3D imaging research.

Priorities for efficacy trials of gender-affirming hormone therapy with estrogen: collaborative design and results of a community survey

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.

A European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Knowledge regarding the effects and side effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in adults is rapidly growing, partly through international research networks such as the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI). However, data on the effects of puberty suppression (PS) and GAHT in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth are limited, although these data are of crucial importance, given the controversies surrounding this treatment.

AIM

We sought to present a detailed overview of the design of the ENIGI Adolescents study protocol, including the first baseline data.

METHODS

The ENIGI Adolescents study is an ongoing multicenter prospective cohort study. This study protocol was developed by 3 European centers that provide endocrine care for TGD adolescents and were already part of the ENIGI collaboration: Amsterdam, Ghent, and Florence.

OUTCOMES

Study outcomes include physical effects and side effects, laboratory parameters, bone mineral density, anthropometric characteristics, attitudes toward fertility and fertility preservation, and psychological well-being, which are measured in the study participants during PS and GAHT, up to 3 years after the start of GAHT.

RESULTS

Between November 2021 and May 2023, 172 TGD adolescents were included in the ENIGI Adolescents protocol, of whom 51 were assigned male at birth (AMAB) and 121 were assigned female at birth (AFAB); 3 AFAB participants reported a nonbinary gender identification. A total of 76 participants were included at the start of PS, at a median (IQR) age of 13.7 (12.9-16.5) years in AMAB and 13.5 (12.4-16.1) years in AFAB individuals. The remaining 96 participants were included at start of GAHT, at a median (IQR) age of 15.9 (15.1-17.4) years in AFAB and 16.0 (15.1-16.8) years in AMAB individuals. At the time of this report the study was open for inclusion and follow-up measurements were ongoing.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

In response to the rising demand for gender-affirming treatment among TGD youth, this ongoing study is fulfilling the need for prospective data on the effects and safety of PS and GAHT, thus providing a foundation for evidence-based healthcare decisions.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This study has a strong multicenter, prospective design that allows for systematic data collection. The use of clinical and self-reported data offers a broad range of outcomes to evaluate. Nevertheless, the burden of additional measurements and questionnaires may lead to withdrawal or lower response rates. Few participants with a non-binary gender identity have been included.

CONCLUSION

With the ENIGI Adolescents study we aim to create a comprehensive dataset that we can use for a wide range of studies to address current controversies and uncertainties and to improve healthcare for TGD adolescents.

Addition of progesterone to feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy in transgender individuals for breast development: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for transgender individuals traditionally includes estradiol and androgen deprivation. Research has demonstrated that breast size as a result of GAHT in transgender women is often limited. Therefore, transgender women often choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery. Progesterone is important for breast development in cisgender women during puberty. A potential role for progesterone in breast development in transgender women has not been investigated in a randomized controlled experimental set-up. The primary objective of this study is to explore the effects on breast volume of addition of oral progesterone to GAHT with estradiol in transgender women after vaginoplasty or orchiectomy. Secondary objectives include assessment of safety, satisfaction, mood, sleep and sexual pleasure.

METHODS

This is a non-blinded, non-placebo, randomized controlled trial using a factorial design in adult transgender individuals assigned male sex at birth who have undergone GAHT for at least one year and underwent vaginoplasty or orchiectomy. The study design allows for rapid assessment of potential synergistic effects of various dose combinations of estradiol and progesterone on breast volume change: Ninety participants will be randomized into six groups of 15 subjects each, receiving either the baseline dose of estradiol, the baseline dose of estradiol and progesterone 200 mg daily, the baseline dose of estradiol and progesterone 400 mg daily, twice the baseline dose of estradiol, twice the baseline dose of estradiol and progesterone 200 mg daily or twice the baseline dose of estradiol and progesterone 400 mg daily, all for a duration of 12 months. The main study parameters include changes in breast volume as determined by 3D measurements. Participants will be followed-up with laboratory testing including serum progesterone concentrations as well as surveys for satisfaction, mood, sleep quality and sexual pleasure.

DISCUSSION

This study will indicate whether progesterone is safe and of additional value with regard to breast volume change in transgender individuals receiving feminizing GAHT. The results of this study will be useful for innovation of feminizing GAHT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform: EUCTR2020-001952-16-NL; date of registration: 12 December 2020 https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=EUCTR2020-001952-16-NL .

A Urologist's Guide to Caring for Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients

Urologists are experts in the fields of genital and pelvic anatomy, sexual health and reproductive medicine. As such, a working understanding of urologic conditions relevant to transgender and gender diverse patients should be expected within their scope of practice. Herein, we describe an introductory framework for general urologists to grow their knowledge of the appropriate terminology, anatomy, and basic tenets of gender-affirming care to better manage the urologic needs of transgender and gender diverse patients.

Review of adult gender transition medications: mechanisms, efficacy measures, and pharmacogenomic considerations

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.

Initial Assessment of VECTRA Three-Dimensional Imaging to Accurately Simulate Breast Volume Changes in Transfeminine Patients: A Mannequin Study

BACKGROUND

Methods that aim to accurately measure and predict breast development can be utilized in gender-affirming treatment planning, patient education, and research.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to evaluate whether three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry accurately measures transfeminine breast volume changes on a masculine frame when simulating anticipated changes in soft tissue after gender-affirming surgical therapy. Then, we describe the innovative application of this imaging modality in a transgender patient to illustrate the potential role of 3D imaging in gender-affirming surgical care.

METHODS

A 3D VECTRA scanner (Canfield, Fairfield, NJ) was used to measure anthropometric breast measurements. Postoperative changes in breast volume were simulated on a cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequin using 450 cc MENTOR breast implants (Mentor Worldwide LLC, Irvine, CA). To demonstrate the ability of the VECTRA to accurately simulate transfeminizing augmentation in practice, we describe its use in a 30-year-old transgender female with a 2-year history of gender-affirming hormone therapy, presenting for gender-affirming surgical care.

RESULTS

In the mannequin, mean breast volumes were 382 cc on the right (range 375-388 cc), and 360 cc on the left (range 351-366 cc). The average calculated difference in volume between the 2 sides was 22 cc (range 17-31 cc). There were no instances where the left side was calculated to be larger than the right or where the calculated size was smaller than the actual implant size.

CONCLUSIONS

The VECTRA 3D camera is a reliable and reproducible tool for preoperative assessment, surgical planning, and simulating breast volume changes after gender-affirming surgery.

Update in Adult Transgender Medicine

Transgender people often face barriers in health care due to lack of access to care, lack of knowledgeable healthcare professionals, discrimination, and gaps in medical and mental health research. Existing research on transgender health has focused heavily on mental health, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases/infections, and substance abuse. Gender-affirming hormone therapy and/or surgery allows for some alignment of biology and gender identity. Gender-affirming care may offer quality-of-life benefits, which may outweigh modest concerns related to exogenous hormone therapy. The Endocrine Society treatment guidelines were revised in 2017, and this article reviews recent data that might inform a future guideline revision. Future longitudinal research is needed to close the gap in knowledge in the field of transgender medicine.

Effects of Hormones on Breast Development and Breast Cancer Risk in Transgender Women

Transgender women experience gender dysphoria due to a gender assignment at birth that is incongruent with their gender identity. Transgender people undergo different surgical procedures and receive sex steroids hormones to reduce psychological distress and to induce and maintain desired physical changes. These persons on feminizing hormones represent a unique population to study the hormonal effects on breast development, to evaluate the risk of breast cancer and perhaps to better understand the precise role played by different hormonal components. In MTF (male to female) patients, hormonal treatment usually consists of antiandrogens and estrogens. Exogenous hormones induce breast development with the formation of ducts and lobules and an increase in the deposition of fat. A search of the existing literature dedicated to hormone regimens for MTF patients, their impact on breast tissue (incidence and type of breast lesions) and breast cancer risk provided the available information for this review. The evaluation of breast cancer risk is currently complicated by the heterogeneity of administered treatments and a lack of long-term follow-up in the great majority of studies. Large studies with longer follow-up are required to better evaluate the breast cancer risk and to understand the precise mechanisms on breast development of each exogenous hormone.

Progestogen Use in Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Transgender women take gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to affirm their gender identity and improve quality of life and well-being. Usually, GAHT in transgender women consists of estrogen plus a testosterone-lowering medication. The use of progestogens in GAHT for transgender women has been a controversial topic due to lack of evidence for benefit and potential for increased harm.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using 4 databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid, and Cochrane). Manuscripts were reviewed from January 2000 to March 2022 to identify effects of progestogens in transgender women over the age of 16 years on breast development, cardiovascular disease, bone density, quality of life, and stroke incidence.

RESULTS

Ten articles were deemed eligible based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies analyzing users of cyproterone acetate were also included if there was a comparator group. No relevant studies were found assessing stroke incidence in the transgender population using a progestogen compound.

CONCLUSION

Overall, findings were significant for a decreased high-density lipoprotein level and increased thromboembolism risk in transgender women using progestogens. No conclusive evidence was found regarding improved quality of life or breast development. Further research needs to be conducted assessing the effects of progestogens in transgender women.

A Review of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy for Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in South Korea

Recently, gender-affirming hormone therapy for gender incongruence has become an issue in various countries and organizations with various guidelines. In South Korea, several clinical treatments are also used with many possible options. These treatments include masculinizing (female-to-male [FTM]) or feminizing (male-to-female [MTF]) hormone therapies, with regimens usually driven by standards of hormonal replacement therapy for hypogonadism (i.e., hypogonadal natal men and postmenopausal women). This cross-sex hormone therapy can change patients' physical appearance to better match their gender identity and expression. Regarding masculinizing therapy, injection and transdermal gel types of testosterone are used according to international guidelines. Progesterone is utilized in the form of oral pills, injections, or intrauterine devices to suppress menstruation and avoid pregnancy. Essentially, feminizing therapy uses androgen blockers along with estrogen. This is because estrogen alone cannot exert sufficient androgen-suppressing effects. In South Korea, the most commonly used androgen blockers are spironolactone and cyproterone acetate. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist is also available. Regarding estrogen, oral pills, injections, and transdermal gels are utilized. This review introduces these gender-affirming hormone therapies in South Korea and discusses the side effects of each regimen.

Hormonothérapies de transition chez les personnes transgenres

Aujourd’hui encore, la prise en charge médicale des personnes transgenres pâtit d’une insuffisance d’offre de soins et de formation des soignants. La mise en œuvre d’une hormonothérapie est souvent souhaitée par les personnes transgenres et il est nécessaire qu’un médecin sache l’instaurer et la suivre tout au long de la transition. Nous abordons dans cette revue le traitement hormonal féminisant (THF) chez les femmes transgenres adultes, et le traitement hormonal masculinisant (THM) chez les hommes transgenres adultes.

Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8

Background: Transgender healthcare is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field. In the last decade, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and visibility of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people seeking support and gender-affirming medical treatment in parallel with a significant rise in the scientific literature in this area. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an international, multidisciplinary, professional association whose mission is to promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. One of the main functions of WPATH is to promote the highest standards of health care for TGD people through the Standards of Care (SOC). The SOC was initially developed in 1979 and the last version (SOC-7) was published in 2012. In view of the increasing scientific evidence, WPATH commissioned a new version of the Standards of Care, the SOC-8. Aim: The overall goal of SOC-8 is to provide health care professionals (HCPs) with clinical guidance to assist TGD people in accessing safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves with the aim of optimizing their overall physical health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment. Methods: The SOC-8 is based on the best available science and expert professional consensus in transgender health. International professionals and stakeholders were selected to serve on the SOC-8 committee. Recommendation statements were developed based on data derived from independent systematic literature reviews, where available, background reviews and expert opinions. Grading of recommendations was based on the available evidence supporting interventions, a discussion of risks and harms, as well as the feasibility and acceptability within different contexts and country settings. Results: A total of 18 chapters were developed as part of the SOC-8. They contain recommendations for health care professionals who provide care and treatment for TGD people. Each of the recommendations is followed by explanatory text with relevant references. General areas related to transgender health are covered in the chapters Terminology, Global Applicability, Population Estimates, and Education. The chapters developed for the diverse population of TGD people include Assessment of Adults, Adolescents, Children, Nonbinary, Eunuchs, and Intersex Individuals, and people living in Institutional Environments. Finally, the chapters related to gender-affirming treatment are Hormone Therapy, Surgery and Postoperative Care, Voice and Communication, Primary Care, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, and Mental Health. Conclusions: The SOC-8 guidelines are intended to be flexible to meet the diverse health care needs of TGD people globally. While adaptable, they offer standards for promoting optimal health care and guidance for the treatment of people experiencing gender incongruence. As in all previous versions of the SOC, the criteria set forth in this document for gender-affirming medical interventions are clinical guidelines; individual health care professionals and programs may modify these in consultation with the TGD person.

Progesterone in gender-affirming therapy of trans women

Progesterone is an endogenous steroid hormone with an important role for the physiology of the female reproductive system and the mammary gland. It has additional significant actions in other tissues, such as the cardiovascular system, the central nervous system, and bones. The present article explores potential clinical implications from the addition of bioidentical progesterone to gender-affirming treatment of trans women. For this purpose, it provides an overview of the physiological action of progesterone in target tissues and speculates on possible benefits for gender transitioning. Progesterone is expected to exert moderate anti-androgen action through suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and inhibition of the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It may also contribute to breast maturation. In the long-term, progesterone could prevent bone loss and protect cardiovascular health. The potential benefits are mainly inferred by extrapolating evidence from biological actions in cisgender women and medical assumptions and hence, clinicians need to be cautious when applying these data into practice. Further research is needed to ascertain the efficacy and safety of progesterone in current hormonal regimens.

Effects of low-dose oral micronised progesterone on sleep, psychological distress, and breast development in transgender individuals undergoing feminising hormone therapy: a prospective controlled study

Objective

The role of micronised progesterone in hormone regimens for transgender individuals undergoing feminising hormone therapy remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the effect of oral micronised progesterone on sleep quality, psychological distress, and breast development in transgender individuals undergoing feminising hormone therapy.

Design

Prospective case-control study. Twenty-three transgender individuals on stable oestradiol treatment newly commencing 100 mg oral progesterone (n = 23) and controls continuing standard care (n = 19) were assessed over 3 months.

Methods

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Kessler psychological distress scale (K10), and Tanner stage to assess breast development were assessed at 0 and 3 months. Non-parametric analysis of covariance was used to compare differences between groups.

Results

Compared with controls over 3 months, there was no difference in PSQI (P = 0.35), K10 (P = 0.64), or Tanner stage (P = 0.42). There was no significant difference in the proportion of individuals with clinically significant improvement in PSQI (25% vs 22%, P = 0.84). One individual had a significant deterioration in psychological distress that improved following the cessation of progesterone.

Conclusions

Low-dose progesterone was not associated with changes in sleep quality, psychological distress, or breast development over 3 months follow-up, though there was significant inter-individual variability. Larger, placebo-controlled trials are required to further evaluate different doses of progesterone in feminising hormone therapy regimens.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy: An updated literature review with an eye on the future

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.

The Role of Estrone in Feminizing Hormone Treatment

CONTEXT

In trans women, hormone treatment induces feminization; however, the degree of feminization varies from person to person. A possible contributing factor could be estrone, a weak estrogen that interferes with the estrogen receptor.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed whether estrone is involved in feminization induced by hormone treatment.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study, with follow-up of 1 year, included 212 adult trans women at a gender identity clinic, who were starting gender-affirming hormone treatment between July 2017 and December 2019, median age 25 years. Change in fat percentage and breast development were assessed.

RESULTS

After 12 months of hormone treatment, estrone concentration was 187 pmol/L (95% CI, 153-220) in transdermal and 1516 pmol/L (95% CI, 1284-1748) in oral estradiol users. Fat percentage increased by 1.2% (interquartile range [IQR], 0.3-4.8) in transdermal and 4.6% (IQR, 2.5-5.9) in oral estradiol users. This was not associated with estrone concentrations in transdermal (+4.4% (95% CI, -4.0 to 13) per 100 pmol/L increase in estrone concentration) nor in oral estradiol users (-0.7% [95% CI, -1.7 to 0.3]). Breast volume increased by 69 mL (IQR, 58-134) in transdermal and 62 mL (IQR, 32-95) in oral estradiol users. This was not associated with estrone concentrations in transdermal (+14% [95% CI, -49 to 156] per 100 pmol/L increase in estrone concentration) nor oral estradiol users (+11% [95% CI -14 to 43]).

CONCLUSIONS

Change in fat percentage and breast development in trans women were not associated with estrone concentrations nor with administration route. Therefore, measurement of estrone concentrations does not have a place in the monitoring of feminization in trans women.

Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy in Transgender Population

Transgender men and women represent about 0.6 -1.1%% of the general population. Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) helps ameliorate gender dysphoria and promote well-being. However, these treatments' cardiovascular (CV) effects are difficult to evaluate due to the limited number of extensive longitudinal studies focused on CV outcomes in this population. Furthermore, these studies are mainly observational and difficult to interpret due to a variety of hormone regimens and observation periods, together with possible bias by confounding factors (comorbidities, estrogen types, smoking, alcohol abuse, HIV infection). In addition, the introduction of GAHT at increasingly earlier ages, even before the full development of the secondary sexual characteristics, could lead to long-term changes in CV risk compared to current data. This review examines the impact of GAHT in the transgender population on CV outcomes and surrogate markers of CV health. Furthermore, we review available data on changes in DNA methylation or RNA transcription induced by GAHT that may translate into changes in metabolic parameters that could increase CV risk.