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Rahimpour E, Askary E, Alamdarloo SM, Alborzi S, Poordast T. Evaluation of the quality of life among transgender men before and after gender reassignment surgery: a survey from Iran. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:100. [PMID: 39127658 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00794-0] [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: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender dysphoria, characterized by a misalignment between one's gender identity and assigned sex, propels individuals towards medical interventions like gender reassignment surgery (GRS) to harmonize their bodies with their gender. This process aims to enhance overall quality of life (QoL), functioning, and body image. Recognizing the importance of cultivating a positive body image for transgender individuals navigating societal norms, this narrative highlights the ongoing debate surrounding QoL post-GRS. In response, our study is outlined, aiming to scrutinize QoL and self-image among transgender men post-GRS, offering valuable insights into societal perceptions and psychological well-being in this context. METHOD This cross-sectional survey focused on transgender men aged 15 to 35 who underwent gender reassignment surgery (GRS) in 2018-2022 in Shiraz, Iran. Participants, after passing psychiatric evaluations, completed World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-100) questionnaires pre- and at least one-year post-surgery. The scores of the Brief-WHOQOL questionnaire were evaluated in four domains of physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental health. RESULTS A total of 60 individual who underwent GRS completed our questionnaire. The average age of the patients was 24.1 ± 3.8 years. Following GRS, the most increase was observed in the psychological factor (by 25.6%). The increase in score was statistically significant in all subgroups (P < 0.001) after operation. Urban living location had a significant association with higher increase in physical health (P < 0.010), psychological health (P = 0.005), and environmental health (P = 0.012) after GRS. In regards to physical health, the low socioeconomic group had a significantly less physical score improvement in QoL compared to the moderate group (P = 0.024) following GRS. In regards to environmental health, the high socioeconomic groups had significantly higher improvement in QoL compared to the low (P = 0.006) and moderate (P < 0.001) group after operation. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that GRS brings about improvements across all aspects of QoL. However, this enhancement is less pronounced among patients hailing from low socioeconomic backgrounds and rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Rahimpour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Askary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Office, Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Zand Avenue, Shiraz, 7134844119, Iran.
| | - Shaghayegh Moradi Alamdarloo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Alborzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Laparoscopy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Poordast
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Cardenas M, Alvarez F, Cabrera-Orefice A, Paredes-Carbajal C, Silva-Palacios A, Uribe-Carvajal S, García-Trejo JJ, Pavón N. Cross-sex hormonal replacement: Some effects over mitochondria. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 244:106595. [PMID: 39111705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106595] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Transgender is a term for people whose gender identity or expression differs from their natal sex. These individuals often seek cross-hormonal therapy to simulate the individual´s desired gender. However, the use of estrogens and testosterone has side effects such as a higher propensity to cancer, weight changes and cardiovascular diseases. Testosterone has also been linked with hypertension. Still, little is known about the outcomes and prevalence of metabolic perturbations in the trans community. Here we aim to analyze if cross-administering sexual hormones affects heart mitochondrial function. Mitochondria produces the ATP needed for heart function. In fact, different studies show that mitochondrial dysfunction precedes cardiac damage. In this work we used either female rats castrated and injected with testosterone or male rats castrated and injected with estrogens for 4 months. We performed an electrocardiogram, and then we isolated heart mitochondria to measure the rate of oxygen consumption, calcium fluxes, membrane potential, superoxide dismutase activity, lipoperoxidation and cytokines. We detected wide modifications in all parameters associated to cross-hormonal administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Cardenas
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano N°1, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, DF CP 14080, Mexico
| | - Fabián Alvarez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano N°1, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, DF CP 14080, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Cabrera-Orefice
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, DF, Mexico
| | | | - Alejandro Silva-Palacios
- Departamento de Biomedicina Cardiovascular, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano N°1, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, DF CP 14080, Mexico
| | - Salvador Uribe-Carvajal
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, DF, Mexico
| | - José J García-Trejo
- Departamento de Biología. Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Natalia Pavón
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano N°1, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, DF CP 14080, Mexico.
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3
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Ong C, Monita M, Liu M. Gender-affirming hormone therapy and cardiovascular health in transgender adults. Climacteric 2024; 27:227-235. [PMID: 38597210 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2024.2310518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
A growing number of people identify as transgender and gender non-binary in the USA and worldwide. Concomitantly, an increasing number of patients are receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to achieve gender congruence. GAHT has far-ranging effects on clinical and subclinical markers of cardiovascular risk. Transgender patients also appear to be at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases compared to their cisgender peers and the impact of gender-affirming therapy on cardiovascular health is unclear. Studies on the effect of GAHT on cardiovascular outcomes are confounded by differences in GAHT regimens and methodological challenges in a diverse and historically hard-to-reach population. Current cardiovascular guidelines do not incorporate gender identity and hormone status into risk stratification and clinical decision-making. In this review, we provide an overview on the cardiometabolic impact and clinical considerations of GAHT for cardiovascular risk in transgender patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ong
- Division of Cardiology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monique Monita
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Minghao Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Santi D, Spaggiari G, Marinelli L, Cacciani M, Scipio S, Bichiri A, Profeta A, Granata ARM, Simoni M, Lanfranco F, Manieri C, Ghigo E, Motta G. Gender-affirming hormone treatment: friend or foe? Long-term follow-up of 755 transgender people. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:1091-1100. [PMID: 37889433 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02220-2] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) is one of the main demands of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people, who are usually categorised as transgender assigned-male-at birth (AMAB) and assigned-female-at birth (AFAB). The aim of the study is to investigate the long-term therapeutic management of GAHT, considering hormonal targets, treatment adjustments and GAHT safety. METHODS A retrospective, longitudinal, observational, multicentre clinical study was carried out. Transgender people, both AMAB and AFAB, were recruited from two Endocrinology Units in Italy (Turin and Modena) between 2005 and 2022. Each subject was managed with specific and personalized follow-up depending on the clinical practice of the Centre. All clinical data routinely collected were extracted, including anthropometric and biochemical parameters, lifestyle habits, GAHT regime, and cardiovascular events. RESULTS Three-hundred and two transgender AFAB and 453 transgender AMAB were included. Similar follow-up duration (p = 0.974) and visits' number (p = 0.384) were detected between groups. The transgender AFAB group reached therapeutic goals in less time (p = 0.002), fewer visits (p = 0.006) and fewer adjustments of GAHT scheme (p = 0.024). Accordingly, transgender AFAB showed a higher adherence to medical prescriptions compared to transgender AMAB people (p < 0.001). No significantly increased rate of cardiovascular events was detected in both groups. CONCLUSION Our real-world clinical study shows that transgender AFAB achieve hormone target earlier and more frequently in comparison to transgender AMAB individuals. Therefore, transgender AMAB people may require more frequent check-ups in order to tailor feminizing GAHT and increase therapeutic adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.
| | - G Spaggiari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - L Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - M Cacciani
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - S Scipio
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - A Bichiri
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - A Profeta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - A R M Granata
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - M Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - F Lanfranco
- Division of Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, Humanitas Gradenigo, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - C Manieri
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - E Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - G Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
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Heinen CS. Medical Management of Gender Diversity. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2024; 36:151-159. [PMID: 38281895 DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
This article provides context on the experiences and medical care of individuals who experience gender dysphoria for the benefit of oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The mechanism of action, effects, and side effects of medical therapies used for gender-affirming care are reviewed. Specific guidance for anesthetic care is given. Trauma-informed tools for care of transgender and gender-diverse patients are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne S Heinen
- Family Medicine and Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359930, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
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6
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Dix C, Moloney M, Tran HA, McFadyen JD. Venous Thromboembolism and Estrogen-Containing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy. Thromb Haemost 2024; 124:387-398. [PMID: 37816389 DOI: 10.1055/a-2188-8898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Gender-affirming therapy involves the use of hormones to develop the physical characteristics of the identified gender and suppressing endogenous sex hormone production. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a known risk of exogenous estrogen therapy, and while evidence of VTE risk among transgender women using modern gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is still emerging, it is thought to affect up to 5% of transgender women. Historically, GAHT was associated with a high risk of VTE; however, modern preparations are less thrombogenic mainly due to significantly lower doses used as well as different preparations. This review presents the available literature regarding the following four topics: (1) risk of VTE among transgender women receiving estradiol GAHT, (2) how the route of administration of estradiol affects the VTE risk, (3) perioperative management of GAHT, (4) VTE risk among adolescents on GAHT. There is a need for large, longitudinal studies of transgender women using GAHT to further characterize VTE risk and how this is affected by factors such as patient age, duration of GAHT use, tobacco use, body mass index, and comorbidities. Future studies in these areas could inform the development of clinical guidelines to improve the care of transgender people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Dix
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mollie Moloney
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Huyen A Tran
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James D McFadyen
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Program, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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7
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Barrero JA, Mockus I. Preservation of Fertility in Transgender Men on Long-Term Testosterone Therapy: A Systematic Review of Oocyte Retrieval Outcomes During and After Exogenous Androgen Exposure. Transgend Health 2023; 8:408-419. [PMID: 37810944 PMCID: PMC10551752 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2022.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone therapy prompts the development of male secondary sexual characteristics coupled with numerous physiological changes; however, the effect of prolonged androgen exposure on transgender men's fertility remains to be fully elucidated. Multiple clinical consensuses advise assisted reproduction before hormone treatment and state that fertility preservation following androgen therapy entails the suspension of testosterone administration. Although the desire for reproduction among transgender men is prevalent, the discontinuation of gender-affirming hormone therapy poses a major challenge due to the anxiety, unease, and gender dysphoria that follow androgen withdrawal. The present investigation aimed to explore the feasibility and outcomes of oocyte retrieval in adult transgender men undergoing testosterone administration before or during fertility preservation. Seven case reports, four cohort studies, and two cross-sectional studies were identified following a systematic literature search on the PubMed/Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases. The findings gathered in this review disclose the viability of oocyte retrieval after prolonged androgen exposure and suggest the absence of a direct relationship between the duration of testosterone suspension and fertility preservation outcomes. Although the reports are limited, recent evidence shows that continuous testosterone administration and the use of aromatase inhibitors during ovarian stimulation could potentially reduce the distressing effects of hormonal ovulation induction. New approaches to fertility preservation in transgender men must be further explored to ensure interventions aligned both with the reproductive desire and avoidance of gender dysphoria exacerbation that follow hormone therapy suspension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A. Barrero
- Lipids and Diabetes Division, Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ismena Mockus
- Lipids and Diabetes Division, Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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8
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Bouck EG, Grinsztejn E, Mcnamara M, Stavrou EX, Wolberg AS. Thromboembolic risk with gender-affirming hormone therapy: potential role of global coagulation and fibrinolysis assays. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2023; 7:102197. [PMID: 37822706 PMCID: PMC10562871 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2023.102197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender-affirming hormonal therapies are a critical component of the care of transgender individuals. Transgender people are commonly prescribed estrogen or testosterone to promote male-to-female or female-to-male transitions and to preserve gender-specific characteristics long-term. However, some exogenous hormones, especially certain estrogen preparations, are an established risk factor of thrombosis. As the number of individuals seeking gender-based care is rising, there is an urgent need to identify and characterize the mechanisms underlying hormone-associated thrombosis and incorporate this information into clinical algorithms for diagnosis and management. Herein, we discuss historical evidence on the incidence of thrombosis and changes in plasma composition in transgender and cisgender cohorts. We present 3 case studies to demonstrate knowledge gaps in thrombosis risk stratification and prediction tools. We also present data from in vitro coagulation and fibrinolysis assays and discuss how information from these kinds of assays may be used to help guide the clinical management of transgender individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G. Bouck
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Eduarda Grinsztejn
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology Division, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Megan Mcnamara
- Medicine Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Evi X. Stavrou
- Medicine Service, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Louise Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology Division, CWRU School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alisa S. Wolberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Sanchez KJ, Sanchez RA, Ben Khallouq B, Ellis DB. Perioperative Care of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients: A Biopsychosocial Approach. Anesth Analg 2023; 137:234-246. [PMID: 37010957 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people endure numerous physical and mental health disparities secondary to lifelong stigma and marginalization, which are often perpetuated in medical spaces. Despite such barriers, TGD people are seeking gender-affirming care (GAC) with increased frequency. GAC facilitates the transition from the sex assigned at birth to the affirmed gender identity and is comprised of hormone therapy (HT) and gender-affirming surgery (GAS). The anesthesia professional is uniquely poised to serve as an integral support for TGD patients within the perioperative space. To provide affirmative perioperative care to TGD patients, anesthesia professionals should understand and attend to the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of health that are relevant to this population. This review outlines the biological factors that impact the perioperative care of TGD patients, such as the management of estrogen and testosterone HT, safe use of sugammadex, interpretation of laboratory values in the context of HT, pregnancy testing, drug dosing, breast binding, altered airway and urethral anatomy after prior GAS, pain management, and other GAS considerations. Psychosocial factors are reviewed, including mental health disparities, health care provider mistrust, effective patient communication, and the interplay of these factors in the postanesthesia care unit. Finally, recommendations to improve TGD perioperative care are reviewed through an organizational approach with an emphasis on TGD-focused medical education. These factors are discussed through the lens of patient affirmation and advocacy with the intent to educate the anesthesia professional on the perioperative management of TGD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Sanchez
- From the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Bertha Ben Khallouq
- Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, Orlando, Florida
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
| | - Dan B Ellis
- Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida
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Renke G, Tostes F. Cardiovascular Safety and Benefits of Testosterone Implant Therapy in Postmenopausal Women: Where Are We? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040619. [PMID: 37111376 PMCID: PMC10146246 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We discuss the CV safety and efficacy data for subcutaneous testosterone therapy (STT) in postmenopausal women. We also highlight new directions and applications of correct dosages performed in a specialized center. To recommend STT, we propose innovative criteria (IDEALSTT) according to total testosterone (T) level, carotid artery intima-media thickness, and calculated SCORE for a 10-year risk of fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite all the controversies, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with T has gained prominence in treating pre and postmenopausal women in the last decades. HRT with silastic and bioabsorbable testosterone hormone implants has gained prominence recently due to its practicality and effectiveness in treating menopausal symptoms and hypoactive sexual desire disorder. A recent publication on the complications of STT, looking at a large cohort of patients over seven years, demonstrated its long-term safety. However, the cardiovascular (CV) risk and safety of STT in women are still controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Renke
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil
- Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
| | - Francisco Tostes
- Nutrindo Ideais Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Rio de Janeiro 22411-040, Brazil
- Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
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Cheung AS, Nolan BJ, Zwickl S. Transgender health and the impact of aging and menopause. Climacteric 2023; 26:256-262. [PMID: 37011669 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2176217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is used by many transgender people to reduce gender incongruence and improve psychological functioning. As GAHT shares many similarities with menopausal hormone therapy, clinicians supporting people through menopause are ideally placed to manage GAHT. This narrative review provides an overview of transgender health and discusses long-term effects of GAHT to consider when managing transgender individuals across the lifespan. Menopause is less relevant for transgender individuals who take GAHT (often given lifelong) to achieve sex steroid concentrations generally in the range of the affirmed gender. For people using feminizing hormone therapy, there is an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke and osteoporosis relative to cisgender individuals. For trans people using masculinizing hormone therapy, there is an increased risk of polycythemia, probable higher risk of myocardial infarction and pelvic pain which is poorly understood. Proactive mitigation of cardiovascular risk factors is important for all transgender people and optimization of bone health is important for those using feminizing hormones. With a lack of research to guide GAHT in older age, a shared decision-making approach is recommended for the provision of GAHT to achieve individual goals whilst minimizing potential adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Cheung
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - B J Nolan
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - S Zwickl
- Trans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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12
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Di Luigi L, Greco EA, Fossati C, Aversa A, Sgrò P, Antinozzi C. Clinical Concerns on Sex Steroids Variability in Cisgender and Transgender Women Athletes. Int J Sports Med 2023; 44:81-94. [PMID: 36174581 DOI: 10.1055/a-1909-1196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In the female athletic community, there are several endogenous and exogenous variables that influence the status of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis and serum sex steroid hormones concentrations (e. g., 17β-estradiol, progesterone, androgens) and their effects. Moreover, female athletes with different sex chromosome abnormalities exist (e. g., 46XX, 46XY, and mosaicism). Due to the high variability of sex steroid hormones serum concentrations and responsiveness, female athletes may have different intra- and inter-individual biological and functional characteristics, health conditions, and sports-related health risks that can influence sports performance and eligibility. Consequently, biological, functional, and/or sex steroid differences may exist in the same and in between 46XX female athletes (e. g., ovarian rhythms, treated or untreated hypogonadism and hyperandrogenism), between 46XX and 46XY female athletes (e. g., treated or untreated hyperandrogenism/disorders of sexual differentiation), and between transgender women and eugonadal cisgender athletes. From a healthcare perspective, dedicated physicians need awareness, knowledge, and an understanding of sex steroid hormones' variability and related health concerns in female athletes to support physiologically healthy, safe, fair, and inclusive sports participation. In this narrative overview, we focus on the main clinical relationships between hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis function, endogenous sex steroids and health status, health risks, and sports performance in the heterogeneous female athletic community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Di Luigi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela A Greco
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy.,Department of Science of Movement, Università degli Studi Niccolò Cusano, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fossati
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Sgrò
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Antinozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
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13
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van Leerdam TR, Zajac JD, Cheung AS. The Effect of Gender-Affirming Hormones on Gender Dysphoria, Quality of Life, and Psychological Functioning in Transgender Individuals: A Systematic Review. Transgend Health 2023; 8:6-21. [PMID: 36895312 PMCID: PMC9991433 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is an essential part of gender affirmation for many transgender (including people with binary and nonbinary identities) individuals and although controlled studies are unethical, there remains limited evidence on the impact of GAHT on gender dysphoria, quality of life (QoL), and psychological functioning. Some clinicians and policy makers use the lack of evidence to argue against providing gender-affirming care. The aim of this review is to systematically and critically assess the available literature on the influence of GAHT on improving gender- and body-related dysphoria, psychological well-being, and QoL. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines, we searched Ovid MEDLINE®, Embase®, and Ovid PsycINFO® from inception to March 6, 2019 to assess the influence of GAHT on (1) gender dysphoria, (2) body uneasiness, (3) body satisfaction, (4) psychological well-being, (5) QoL, (6) interpersonal and global functioning, and (7) self-esteem. Our search strategy found no randomized controlled trials. Ten longitudinal cohort studies, 25 cross-sectional studies, and 3 articles reporting both cross-sectional and longitudinal data were identified. While results are mixed, the majority of studies demonstrate that GAHT reduces gender dysphoria, body dissatisfaction, and uneasiness, subsequently improving psychological well-being and QoL in transgender individuals. However, all current researches are of low to moderate quality comprising longitudinal cohort studies and cross-sectional studies, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions and do not reflect external social factors unaffected by GAHT, which significantly impact on dysphoria, well-being, and QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylah R. van Leerdam
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D. Zajac
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Ada S. Cheung
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
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14
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Milionis C, Ilias I, Venaki E, Koukkou E. The metabolic effects of hormonal treatment in transgender males: Safety of the testosterone gender-affirming therapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RISK & SAFETY IN MEDICINE 2023; 34:21-28. [PMID: 35964205 DOI: 10.3233/jrs-200087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Milionis
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, General Hospital "Elena Venizelou", Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Ilias
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, General Hospital "Elena Venizelou", Athens, Greece
| | - Evaggelia Venaki
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, General Hospital "Elena Venizelou", Athens, Greece
| | - Eftychia Koukkou
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, General Hospital "Elena Venizelou", Athens, Greece
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15
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Berliere M, Coche M, Lacroix C, Riggi J, Coyette M, Coulie J, Galant C, Fellah L, Leconte I, Maiter D, Duhoux FP, François A. Effects of Hormones on Breast Development and Breast Cancer Risk in Transgender Women. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010245. [PMID: 36612241 PMCID: PMC9818520 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Berliere
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Maximilienne Coche
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Camille Lacroix
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julia Riggi
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maude Coyette
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Plastic Surgery, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julien Coulie
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Plastic Surgery, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Galant
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Latifa Fellah
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Leconte
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominique Maiter
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francois P. Duhoux
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aline François
- Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Sudhakar D, Huang Z, Zietkowski M, Powell N, Fisher AR. Feminizing gender‐affirming hormone therapy for the transgender and gender diverse population: An overview of treatment modality, monitoring, and risks. Neurourol Urodyn 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/nau.25097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhong Huang
- Pritzker School of Medicine University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Maeson Zietkowski
- Pritzker School of Medicine University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Natasha Powell
- Pritzker School of Medicine University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Andrew R. Fisher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
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17
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Marthi S, O'Rourke TK, Tucci C, Pareek G, Hyams E. The state of PSA counseling in male-to-female transgender patients in the U.S. Prostate 2022; 82:1315-1321. [PMID: 35748021 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morbidity and mortality from prostate cancer (PCa) are known to vary heavily based on socioeconomic and demographic risk factors. We sought to describe prescreening PSA (prostate-specific antigen) counseling (PPC) rates amongst male-to-female transgender (MtF-TG) patients and non-TG patients using the behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS). METHODS We used the survey data from 2014, 2016, and 2018 BRFSS and included respondents aged 40-79 years who completed the "PCa screening" and "sexual orientation and gender identity" modules. We analyzed differences in age, education level, income level, marital status, and race/ethnicity using Pearson's χ2 tests. The association of PPC with MtF-TG status and other patient characteristics was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 175,383 respondents were included, of which 0.3% identified as MtF-TG. Overall, 62.4% of respondents reported undergoing PPC. On univariate analysis, PPC rates were lower among MtF-TG respondents when compared to the non-TG group (58.3% vs. 62.4%, p = 0.03). MtF-TG respondents were also more likely to report lower education level (p < 0.01), lower-income level (p < 0.01), and were less likely to be white (p < 0.01) than non-TG respondents. However, multivariate analysis adjusting for these respondent features demonstrated an association between higher income and higher education levels with increased odds of PPC, but no association was demonstrated between MtF-TG status and PPC rates. PPC rates for the MtF-TG and non-TG populations did not change significantly over time. CONCLUSIONS Although PPC was less frequently reported among MtF-TG respondents than in the non-TG group on univariate analysis, this association was not demonstrated when controlling for confounders, including education and income levels. Instead, on multivariate analysis, low education and income levels were more predictive of PPC rates. Further research is needed to ensure equivalent access to prescreening counseling for patients across the socioeconomic and gender identity spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Marthi
- Minimally Invasive Urology Institute, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Urology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Timothy K O'Rourke
- Minimally Invasive Urology Institute, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Urology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Christopher Tucci
- Minimally Invasive Urology Institute, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Urology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Gyan Pareek
- Minimally Invasive Urology Institute, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Urology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Elias Hyams
- Minimally Invasive Urology Institute, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Urology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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18
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Goyal P, Jain P, Agrawal C, Jain SB, Talwar V, Batra U, Goyal S, Maheshwari U, Chaudhari K, Goel V, BP A, Doval DC. Breast Cancer in Transgenders: Narrative Review. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe molecular pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC), the second most common cancer, varies significantly between sexes, with minimal data in the transgender population. The overall prevalence of BC in transgenders is estimated to be 0.02%. Besides experiencing social disparities, transgenders have to face a lot of discrimination in the healthcare system. Adversities faced, along with the urge to identify with physical attributes to the gender felt by them, forces transgenders to use non-prescribed hormones. Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a key feature of transition-related care, rehabbing mental health, and the quality of life of transgenders, but at the expense of their health. Studies have reported that GAHT is associated with severe health conditions such as cancer in transgenders. Estrogens and testosterone are associated with a moderate risk of developing BC. The types of BC diagnosed in transgenders after cross-sex hormone therapy include invasive ductal and neuroendocrine carcinoma, in addition to tubular adenocarcinoma. Although diagnosed at an age earlier compared with ciswomen, BC screening recommendations for transgenders are the same as for ciswomen. This review studies in detail the types of transgenders, their characteristics, different types of breast cancers associated, issues faced while treatment, and their best possible solutions. We also hope to have well-designed research in the future, which will fill the existing gaps in knowledge and provide scientific insight into the transgender population and issues related to their health. There are no international guidelines on screening and management of transgender patients but it appears that breast screening before cosmetic mastectomy, exposure to hormonal therapy for more than 5 years, and as per natal women screening guidelines should be offered to the patient with detailed discussion on the harms and benefits of the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Goyal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Jain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, Delhi, India
| | - Chaturbhuj Agrawal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, Delhi, India
| | | | - Vineet Talwar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, Delhi, India
| | - Ullas Batra
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, Delhi, India
| | - Sumit Goyal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, Delhi, India
| | - Udip Maheshwari
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mumbai Oncocare Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Krushna Chaudhari
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, Delhi, India
| | - Varun Goel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, Delhi, India
| | - Amrith BP
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, Delhi, India
| | - Dinesh Chandra Doval
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, Delhi, India
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19
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Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Stroke in Transgender Adults. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-022-00728-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
To identify the current state of science on stroke in transgender adults and highlight gaps in need of further research. We will review current research on cerebrovascular risk and disease, hormone therapy, and stroke in transgender individuals. Finally, we will provide a framework for healthcare providers to prevent and reduce disparities through inclusive care practices.
Recent Findings
Transgender people experience unique stroke risk factors, secondary to both psychosocial stress and health-related behaviors. These include higher rates of HIV, tobacco use, stimulant use, and hepatitis C. The use of gender-affirming hormone therapy may lead to an increased risk for ischemic stroke, but the data are limited and require further research.
Summary
Recent research has highlighted the numerous healthcare disparities faced by transgender individuals. Regarding stroke disparities, these are multifactorial and include contributions from health-related behaviors, inadequate access to care, the use of hormonal therapy, and minority stress. Further research is needed to increase access to care and reduce the substantial gap in outcomes for these individuals.
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20
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Ong C, Liu M, Thermidor S, Eid M, Gianos E. Transgender Cardiovascular Health: Practical Management for the Clinician. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2022; 24:721-730. [PMID: 35767118 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-022-01047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Transgender individuals represent a growing part of our population with current trends indicating that clinicians will be treating more transgender patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Current cardiovascular guidelines lack recommendations for transgender care secondary to limited data in this population. As we await future guideline recommendations, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature and practical management strategies related to transgender cardiovascular health. RECENT FINDINGS Transgender individuals are at higher risk for some cardiovascular diseases compared to their cisgender counterparts. Gender-affirming hormone therapy, concomitant health conditions, lifestyle habits, access to services, and quality of care all contribute to this finding. While it is likely both safe and appropriate to apply current CVD guidelines to the care of transgender men and women, clinicians should consider additional factors in risk assessment and address unique aspects of care at every visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ong
- Division of Cardiology, Northwell Health, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA. .,Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Minghao Liu
- Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.,Department of Endocrinology, Northwell Health, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sadiya Thermidor
- Division of Cardiology, Northwell Health, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Marwen Eid
- Division of Cardiology, Northwell Health, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Eugenia Gianos
- Division of Cardiology, Northwell Health, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
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21
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Alpert AB, Scout NFN, Schabath MB, Adams S, Obedin-Maliver J, Safer JD. Gender- and Sexual Orientation- Based Inequities: Promoting Inclusion, Visibility, and Data Accuracy in Oncology. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-17. [PMID: 35658501 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_350175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people, including agender, asexual, bisexual, gay, gender diverse, genderqueer, genderfluid, intersex, lesbian, nonbinary, pansexual, queer, and transgender people, comprise approximately 10% or more of the U.S. population. Thus, most oncologists see SGM patients whether they know it or not. SGM people experience stigma and structural discrimination that lead to cancer disparities. Because of the lack of systematic and comprehensive data collection, data regarding SGM cancer incidence, outcomes, and treatment responses are limited. Collection of data regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender identity and/or experience, anatomy, and serum hormone concentrations in oncology settings would drastically increase collective knowledge about the impact of stigma and biologic markers on cancer outcomes. Increasing the safety of oncology settings for SGM people will require individual, institutional, and systems changes that will likely improve oncologic care for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ash B Alpert
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - N F N Scout
- National LGBT Cancer Network, Providence, RI
| | - Matthew B Schabath
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | - Spencer Adams
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
| | - Juno Obedin-Maliver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Joshua D Safer
- Division of Endocrinology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.,Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, New York, NY
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22
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Testosterone Use in the Perioperative Setting. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-021-00322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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23
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Patel H, Samaha Y, Ives G, Lee TY, Cui X, Ray E. Chest Feminization in Male-to-Female Transgender Patients: A Review of Options. Transgend Health 2022; 6:244-255. [PMID: 34993297 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Management of a transgender (TG) woman's gender dysphoria is individualized to address the sources of her distress. This typically involves some combination of psychological therapy, hormone modulation, and surgical intervention. Breast enhancement is the most commonly pursued physical modification in this population. Because hormone manipulation provides disappointing results for most TG women, surgical treatment is frequently required to achieve the goal of a feminine chest. Creating a female breast from natal male chest anatomy poses significant challenges; the sexual dimorphism requires a different approach than that used in cisgender breast augmentation. The options and techniques used continue to evolve as experience in this field grows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Patel
- Department of Surgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yasmina Samaha
- Department of Surgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Graham Ives
- Department of Surgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tian-Yu Lee
- Department of Surgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Cui
- Department of Surgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Edward Ray
- Department of Surgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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24
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Zubiaurre-Elorza L, Cerdán S, Uribe C, Pérez-Laso C, Marcos A, Rodríguez del Cerro MC, Fernandez R, Pásaro E, Guillamon A. The Effects of Testosterone on the Brain of Transgender Men. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 2:252-260. [PMID: 35024694 PMCID: PMC8744429 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Transgender men (TM) experience an incongruence between the female sex assigned when they were born and their self-perceived male identity. Some TM seek for a gender affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) to induce a somatic transition from female to male through continuous administration of testosterone. GAHT seems to be relatively safe. However, testosterone produces structural changes in the brain as detected by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Mainly, it induces an increase in cortical volume and thickness and subcortical structural volume probably due to the anabolic effects. Animal models, specifically developed to test the anabolic hypothesis, suggest that testosterone and estradiol, its aromatized metabolite, participate in the control of astrocyte water trafficking, thereby controlling brain volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Zubiaurre-Elorza
- Department of Methods and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Sebastian Cerdán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carme Uribe
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Pérez-Laso
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Fernandez
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultade de Ciencias da Educación, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eduardo Pásaro
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultade de Ciencias da Educación, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Antonio Guillamon
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Mahowald MK, Maheshwari AK, Lara-Breitinger KM, Adel FW, Pellikka PA, Davidge-Pitts CJ, Nippoldt TB, Kantor B, Mankad R. Characteristics of Transgender Women Referred to Women's Heart Clinic. Am J Prev Cardiol 2021; 7:100223. [PMID: 34611649 PMCID: PMC8387274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2021.100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transgender women have been reported to have a high burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors based largely on surveys. Our aim was to describe the prevalence of CVD and associated comorbidities among a cohort of older transgender women referred to cardiology as part of their gender-affirming care. Methods This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of transgender women at a single institution from 2017 to 2019. Results Fifty-two consecutive patients were included. The most common reasons for referral were cardiac risk factor management (45%) and pre-operative cardiac risk stratification prior to gender-affirming surgery (35%). The mean age was 57 ± 10 years, 87% were white, and 92% had insurance coverage. Forty-eight patients (92%) were taking gender-affirming hormone therapy; 5 had undergone breast augmentation, 4 had undergone orchiectomy, and 2 had undergone vaginoplasty. The most common comorbidities were depression and/or anxiety (63%), obesity (58%), and hyperlipidemia (54%). Excluding aldosterone antagonists, 46% were on cardiac medications; changes were recommended for 25% of patients: new prescriptions in 9, dose adjustments in 5, and discontinuations in 4. According to the pooled cohort equation, the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic CVD was 9.4 ± 7.7% when the study population was calculated as male and 5.2 ± 5.1% when calculated as female (p <0.001). For patients who completed exercise testing, the functional aerobic capacity was fair (77.6 ± 21.4%) when calculated as male and average (99.5 ± 27.5%) as female (p < .0001); there was inconsistency in sex used for calculating the result on the formal report. Conclusions Older transgender women may have an underestimated prevalence of CVD and its risk factors. More research is needed to identify cardiovascular health profiles, improve practice consistency, and establish normative values for transgender patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arvind K Maheshwari
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Fadi W Adel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Caroline J Davidge-Pitts
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Todd B Nippoldt
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Birgit Kantor
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Rekha Mankad
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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New Insights Into Extended Steroid Hormone Profiles in Transwomen in a Multi-Center Setting in Germany. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1807-1817. [PMID: 37057498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little information is available on steroid hormone profiles in transwomen on the day of gender affirming surgery (GAS) after gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). AIM We compared extended serum steroid hormone profiles of 77 transwomen with 3 different treatment regimens in order to get more insight on how GAHT changes the hormone system. METHODS Samples were obtained from 3 independent clinics. Individuals in clinic A (n = 13) and B (n = 51) discontinued GAHT 4-6 weeks and 2 weeks before GAS, individuals in clinic C (n = 13) continued treatment. Testicular tissue, blood samples and questionnaires on age, weight, height, and medication use were received from each patient. Steroid hormones were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), 6 sex hormones were determined by immunofluorometric assays, and ELISA. Spermatogenesis was scored using the Bergman/Kliesch score. OUTCOMES Participants were not different with regard to age, BMI, treatment duration, and dosage. Feminized blood serum levels with low LH, low FSH and low testosterone, however, were achieved in persons taking GAHT until GAS. Significantly reduced cortisone levels were seen after stopping GAHT before GAS. RESULTS GAHT had marked effects on the sex-steroid profile in each person. Factor analysis provided a model explaining 78% of the variance and interdependency of sex steroid levels. Stopping treatment was inversely associated with intactness of the corticosteroid-axis with adrenal steroidogenesis as well as it was inversely associated with pituitary-gonadal hormone production. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Transwomen generally did not have elevated cortisone levels but differed significantly depending on and when GAHT was stopped. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS This is the first study examining the steroid hormone profiles of transgender persons on the day of GAS in a multi-center setting. Additional studies (including follow ups before and after GAS and stress questionnaires) will be necessary to assess these conflicting results about the possible psychological impact on persons undergoing GAS to improve care. CONCLUSION Concerning feminized blood serum levels, continued GAHT seems the better alternative, however stopping treatment 4-6 weeks prior to surgery was associated with reduced cortisone levels. Schneider F, Wistuba J, Holterhus P-M, et al. New Insights Into Extended Steroid Hormone Profiles in Transwomen in a Multi-Center Setting in Germany. J Sex Med 2021;18:1807-1817.
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Kapoor N, Arora S, Kalra S. Gender Disparities in People Living with Obesity - An Unchartered Territory. J Midlife Health 2021; 12:103-107. [PMID: 34526743 PMCID: PMC8409720 DOI: 10.4103/jmh.jmh_48_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender is an important risk factor for the development of obesity. Female gender is associated with twice the risk of being overweight or having obesity. Women are also at higher risk for developing obesity-related physical and psychological comorbidities and have a twofold higher mortality risk than overweight men. Several risk factors have been described to explain the gender bias associated with an obese phenotype and these disparities have far-reaching implications on the medical, psychosocial, and the economical impact of an individual. Despite extensive awareness about gender differences related to obesity, this is still considered as an unchartered territory in obesity medicine. This is probably because of the complex multiple dimensions involved with the understanding of subject coupled with the lack of composite outcomes measures that could assist in the study of these factors. In this scoping review, we share the existing literature regarding the magnitude of gender disparities and gender discrimination in people living with obesity. We describe key factors leading to this gender bias and the impact of this discrimination on the psychological, social, and metabolic health of a given individual with obesity. We also discuss the possible implications of gender disparities on treatment of obesity which may help reduce the current mortality gap between overweight women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Kapoor
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.,Noncommunicable Disease Unit, The Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Saurabh Arora
- Department of Endocrinology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Sanjay Kalra
- Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, Haryana, India
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Abstract
Individuals who identify with a gender not typically associated with their sex assigned at birth are a growing population worldwide. Guidelines to help healthcare providers navigate the care of gender minorities (GMs) are often aimed at primary care providers and may be too general for subspecialists. Pulmonologists may see GM individuals for a variety of reasons, and no reference exists that contains relevant information about GM-specific care, including unique conditions to consider. A systematic review was completed to identify unique characteristics in caring for GM patients with a pulmonary complaint.
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Angus LM, Nolan BJ, Zajac JD, Cheung AS. A systematic review of antiandrogens and feminization in transgender women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 94:743-752. [PMID: 32926454 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Antiandrogens are frequently used with estradiol in transgender women seeking feminization. Antiandrogens act by various mechanisms to decrease the production or effects of testosterone, but it is unclear which antiandrogen is most effective at feminization. A systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines. We searched online databases (Medline, Embase and PsycINFO) and references of relevant articles for studies of antiandrogens in transgender women aged 16+ years to achieve feminization (namely changes in breast size, body composition, facial or body hair) or changes in serum total testosterone concentration when compared to placebo, estradiol alone or an alternative antiandrogen. Four studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in a narrative review. The addition of cyproterone acetate, leuprolide and medroxyprogesterone acetate may be more effective than spironolactone or estradiol alone at suppressing the serum total testosterone concentration. Body composition changes appear similar in transgender women treated with estradiol and additional cyproterone acetate or leuprolide. No eligible studies adequately evaluated the effects of antiandrogens on breast development or facial and body hair reduction. It remains unclear which antiandrogen is most effective at achieving feminization. Cyproterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate and leuprolide may be more effective than spironolactone at suppressing the serum total testosterone concentration. However, due to spironolactone's antagonism of the androgen receptor, it is unclear whether this results in clinically meaningful differences in feminization. Further research with clinically meaningful endpoints is needed to optimize the use of antiandrogens in transgender women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan M Angus
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Ivanhoe, Vic., Australia
| | - Brendan J Nolan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Ivanhoe, Vic., Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Ivanhoe, Vic., Australia
| | - Ada S Cheung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Ivanhoe, Vic., Australia
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Incidence of Cancer and Premalignant Lesions in Surgical Specimens of Transgender Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 147:194-198. [PMID: 33370065 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000007452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender-affirming surgery is becoming increasingly more common. Procedures including chest masculinization, breast augmentation, vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, and phalloplasty routinely generate discarded tissue. The incidence of finding an occult malignancy or premalignant lesion in specimens from gender-affirming surgery is unknown. The authors therefore conducted a retrospective review of all transgender patients at their institution who underwent gender-affirming surgery to determine the incidence of precancerous and malignant lesions found incidentally. METHODS A retrospective review of transgender patients who underwent gender-affirming surgery at the authors' institution between 2017 and 2018 performed by a single plastic surgeon and a single reconstructive urologic surgeon was conducted. Only transgender patients who underwent gender-affirming surgery that led to routine pathologic review of discarded tissue (mastectomy, vaginoplasty, vaginectomy as part of phalloplasty) were included. Charts were reviewed and patient demographics, duration of hormonal therapy, medical comorbidities, genetic risk factors for cancer, medications (including steroids or other immunosuppressants), pathology reports, and cancer management were recorded. RESULTS Between 2017 and 2018, 295 transgender patients underwent gender-affirming surgery that generated discarded tissue sent for pathologic evaluation. During this period, 193 bilateral mastectomies, 94 vaginoplasties with orchiectomies, and eight vaginectomies were performed; 6.4 percent of all patients had an atypical lesion found on routine pathologic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Gender-affirming surgery is increasingly more common given the increase in access to care. The authors' review of routine pathologic specimens generated from gender-affirming surgery yielded a 6.4 percent rate of finding atypical lesions requiring further evaluation. The authors advocate that all specimens be sent for pathologic evaluation.
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Hamilton BR, Lima G, Barrett J, Seal L, Kolliari-Turner A, Wang G, Karanikolou A, Bigard X, Löllgen H, Zupet P, Ionescu A, Debruyne A, Jones N, Vonbank K, Fagnani F, Fossati C, Casasco M, Constantinou D, Wolfarth B, Niederseer D, Bosch A, Muniz-Pardos B, Casajus JA, Schneider C, Loland S, Verroken M, Marqueta PM, Arroyo F, Pedrinelli A, Natsis K, Verhagen E, Roberts WO, Lazzoli JK, Friedman R, Erdogan A, Cintron AV, Yung SHP, Janse van Rensburg DC, Ramagole DA, Rozenstoka S, Drummond F, Papadopoulou T, Kumi PYO, Twycross-Lewis R, Harper J, Skiadas V, Shurlock J, Tanisawa K, Seto J, North K, Angadi SS, Martinez-Patiño MJ, Borjesson M, Di Luigi L, Dohi M, Swart J, Bilzon JLJ, Badtieva V, Zelenkova I, Steinacker JM, Bachl N, Pigozzi F, Geistlinger M, Goulis DG, Guppy F, Webborn N, Yildiz BO, Miller M, Singleton P, Pitsiladis YP. Integrating Transwomen and Female Athletes with Differences of Sex Development (DSD) into Elite Competition: The FIMS 2021 Consensus Statement. Sports Med 2021; 51:1401-1415. [PMID: 33761127 PMCID: PMC7988249 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01451-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Sport is historically designated by the binary categorization of male and female that conflicts with modern society. Sport’s governing bodies should consider reviewing rules determining the eligibility of athletes in the female category as there may be lasting advantages of previously high testosterone concentrations for transwomen athletes and currently high testosterone concentrations in differences in sex development (DSD) athletes. The use of serum testosterone concentrations to regulate the inclusion of such athletes into the elite female category is currently the objective biomarker that is supported by most available scientific literature, but it has limitations due to the lack of sports performance data before, during or after testosterone suppression. Innovative research studies are needed to identify other biomarkers of testosterone sensitivity/responsiveness, including molecular tools to determine the functional status of androgen receptors. The scientific community also needs to conduct longitudinal studies with specific control groups to generate the biological and sports performance data for individual sports to inform the fair inclusion or exclusion of these athletes. Eligibility of each athlete to a sport-specific policy needs to be based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence made available to policymakers from all scientific communities. However, even the most evidence-based regulations are unlikely to eliminate all differences in performance between cisgender women with and without DSD and transwomen athletes. Any remaining advantage held by transwomen or DSD women could be considered as part of the athlete’s unique makeup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair R Hamilton
- Centre for Stress and Age-Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
- The Gender Identity Clinic Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Giscard Lima
- Centre for Exercise Sciences and Sports Medicine, FIMS Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - James Barrett
- The Gender Identity Clinic Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Leighton Seal
- The Gender Identity Clinic Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Guan Wang
- Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research and Enterprise Group, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Antonia Karanikolou
- Centre for Stress and Age-Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Xavier Bigard
- Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Aigle, Switzerland
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Herbert Löllgen
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Petra Zupet
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anca Ionescu
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andre Debruyne
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nigel Jones
- British Association Sport and Exercise Medicine, Doncaster, UK
- British Cycling and University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Karin Vonbank
- Department of Pneumology, Pulmonary Function Laboratory, Medicine Clinic (KIMII), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Federica Fagnani
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fossati
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
- Villa Stuart Sport Clinic, FIFA Medical Center of Excellence, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Casasco
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Italian Federation of Sports Medicine (FMSI), Rome, Italy
| | - Demitri Constantinou
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Centre for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Sports Medicine, Humboldt University and Charité University School of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Niederseer
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Centre, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Bosch
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Borja Muniz-Pardos
- GENUD Research Group, FIMS Collaborating Center of Sports Medicine, Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José Antonio Casajus
- GENUD Research Group, FIMS Collaborating Center of Sports Medicine, Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Christian Schneider
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Orthopaedic Center Theresie, Munich, Germany
| | - Sigmund Loland
- Department of Sport and Social Sciences, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michele Verroken
- Centre of Research and Innovation for Sport, Technology and Law (CRISTAL), De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
- Sporting Integrity Ltd, Stoke Mandeville, UK
| | - Pedro Manonelles Marqueta
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Sports Medicine, San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Arroyo
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- FIMS Collaborating Center of Sports Medicine, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - André Pedrinelli
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Konstantinos Natsis
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Interbalkan Medical Center, FIMS Collaborating Center of Sports Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Anatomy and Surgical Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evert Verhagen
- Amsterdam Collaboration on Health and Safety in Sports, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - William O Roberts
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - José Kawazoe Lazzoli
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University Medical School, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Rogerio Friedman
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Endocrine Unit, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ali Erdogan
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Gloria Sports Arena, FIMS Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ana V Cintron
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Puerto Rico Sports Medicine Federation, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Shu-Hang Patrick Yung
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Asian Federation of Sports Medicine (AFSM), Hong Kong Center of Sports Medicine and Sports Science, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Dimakatso A Ramagole
- Section Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sandra Rozenstoka
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- FIMS Collaboration Centre of Sports Medicine, Sports laboratory, Riga, Latvia
| | - Felix Drummond
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- FIMS Collaboration Centre of Sports Medicine, Instituto de Medicina do Esporte, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Theodora Papadopoulou
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall, Loughborough, UK
| | - Paulette Y O Kumi
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Richard Twycross-Lewis
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Joanna Harper
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | | | | | - Kumpei Tanisawa
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Jane Seto
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathryn North
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Siddhartha S Angadi
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Mats Borjesson
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Center for Health and Performance, Goteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra, Region of Western Sweden, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Luigi Di Luigi
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Michiko Dohi
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Sport Medical Center, Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jeroen Swart
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James Lee John Bilzon
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Victoriya Badtieva
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Moscow Research and Practical Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Irina Zelenkova
- GENUD Research Group, FIMS Collaborating Center of Sports Medicine, Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Juergen M Steinacker
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Norbert Bachl
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Sports Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Institute of Sports Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabio Pigozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Villa Stuart Sport Clinic, FIFA Medical Center of Excellence, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael Geistlinger
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Unit of International Law, Department of Constitutional, International and European Law, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Fergus Guppy
- Centre for Stress and Age-Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Nick Webborn
- School of Sport and Service Management, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, UK
| | - Bulent O Yildiz
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mike Miller
- World Olympian Association, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Yannis P Pitsiladis
- Centre for Exercise Sciences and Sports Medicine, FIMS Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, Rome, Italy.
- Centre for Stress and Age-Related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy.
- European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Pappas II, Craig WY, Spratt LV, Spratt DI. Efficacy of Sex Steroid Therapy Without Progestin or GnRH Agonist for Gonadal Suppression in Adult Transgender Patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e1290-e1300. [PMID: 33247919 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Testosterone (T) or estradiol (E2) are administered to suppress gonadal function in female-to-male (FTM) and male-to-female (MTF) transgender patients. How often sex steroids cause adequate suppression without GnRH agonist (GnRHa) or progestin therapy has not been reported. OBJECTIVES (1) To determine how often T and E2 therapy alone can effectively suppress gonadal function in MTF and FTM transgender patients, and (2) to determine the frequency and range of serum E2 levels above the normal male range in FTM patients receiving T therapy. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Outpatient reproductive endocrinology clinic at an academic medical center. PATIENTS A total of 65 FTM and 33 MTF patients were included who were > 18 years of age and not receiving progestin or GnRHa therapy. INTERVENTION Female-to-male patients were receiving T through injections or gel. Male-to-female patients were receiving oral or subcutaneous E2. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS In FTM patients the indicator of ovary suppression was amenorrhea. In MTF patients, the indicator of testes suppression was T levels <50 ng/dL. RESULTS Median serum total T level for FTM patients was 712 ng/dL (range, 370-1164 ng/dL). On T therapy alone, 90.8% of patients achieved amenorrhea and 49.2% of patients had serum E2 levels above the normal range for women. For MTF patients, the median serum E2 level was 129.2 pg/mL (range, 75-197 pg/mL). On E2 therapy alone, 84.8% of MTF patients had adequate suppression of testicular function. CONCLUSIONS Testosterone and E2 therapy are usually effective without progestin or GnRHa therapy to suppress gonadal function in transgender patients. Progestin and/or GnRHa therapy should only be initiated in those patients who do not have adequate gonadal suppression on optimized doses of T or E2 alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- India I Pappas
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine, USA
| | - Wendy Y Craig
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine, USA
| | - Lindsey V Spratt
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine, USA
| | - Daniel I Spratt
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine, USA
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Schönauer LM, Dellino M, Loverro M, Carriero C, Capursi T, Leoni C, Loverro G, Di Naro E. Hormone therapy in female-to-male transgender patients: searching for a lifelong balance. Hormones (Athens) 2021; 20:151-159. [PMID: 33026609 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-020-00238-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reassignment of a female-to-male (FtM) person requires gender-affirming, androgenic hormonal treatment that is planned to induce appropriate structural changes. This therapy must be prolonged long term, even after the sex reassignment surgery (SRS). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of hormone therapy with testosterone in FtM subjects during a 24-month follow-up in order to highlight the occasional need for early decompensation and to make adequate hormone therapy modulations. METHODS Fifteen out of 23 FtM persons had been previously treated with SRS, while eight were still awaiting surgery. During hormone therapy, both groups were followed for 24 months, with evaluation of desired changes, adverse effects, and functional or metabolic indicators. RESULTS In the group of operated FtM subjects (15/23), a significant increase of total testosterone (total T) and free testosterone (free T) was found after 24 months. Luteinizing hormone (LH) maintained a low level, decreasing after ovariectomy, while FSH increased. Voice deepening, facial and body hair variation, male-pattern balding, and body mass index (BMI) increase are all physical changes due to androgenization. In both groups of patients who have been closely monitored, the side effects and thromboembolic, metabolic, and cardiovascular risks of androgen therapy, even in the long term, appear to be irrelevant. CONCLUSION Total T, free T, and LH dosages are shown to be reliable markers of correct androgenization. Strict monitoring of lipid profile, evaluation of BMI and hematocrit, avoidance of self-initiated therapeutic modifications, adherence to a healthy lifestyle, and avoidance of excessive daily calorie intake can limit risks linked to long-term testosterone administration. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Maria Schönauer
- Department Interdisciplinary Medicine, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Miriam Dellino
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Gynecology and Ostetrics Clinic, University of Bary, Bari, Italy.
| | - Matteo Loverro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ASTT Lecco, Ospedale Leopoldo Mandic, Merate, Italy
| | - Carmine Carriero
- Department Interdisciplinary Medicine, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Teresa Capursi
- Department Interdisciplinary Medicine, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Leoni
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, CNR, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Loverro
- Department Interdisciplinary Medicine, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Edoardo Di Naro
- Department Interdisciplinary Medicine, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Meyer G, Boczek U, Bojunga J. Hormonal Gender Reassignment Treatment for Gender Dysphoria. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 117:725-732. [PMID: 33559593 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2020.0725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No data are available at present on the prevalence of gender dysphoria (trans-identity) in Germany. On the basis of estimates from the Netherlands, it can be calculated that approximately 15 000 to 25 000 persons in Germany are affected. Persons suffering from gender dysphoria often experience significant distress and have a strong desire for gender reassignment treatment. METHODS This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in the PubMed database employing the searching terms "transsexualism," "transgender," "gender incongruence," "gender identity disorder," "gender-affirming hormone therapy," and "gender dysphoria." RESULTS In view of its far-reaching consequences, some of which are irreversible, hormonal gender reassignment treatment should only be initiated after meticulous individual consideration, with the approval of the treating psychiatrist/psychotherapist and after extensive information of the patient by an experienced endo - crinologist. Before the treatment is begun, the patient must be extensively screened for risk factors. The contraindications include severe preexisting thromboembolic diseases (mainly if untreated), hormone-sensitive tumors, and uncontrolled pre - existing chronic diseases such as arterial hypertension and epilepsy. Finding an appropriate individual solution is the main objective even if contraindications are present. Male-to-female treatment is carried out with 17β-estradiol or 17β-estradiol valerate in combination with cyproterone acetate or spironolactone as an antiandrogen, female-to-male treatment with transdermal or intramuscular testosterone preparations. The treatment must be monitored permanently with clinical and laboratory follow-up as well as with gynecological and urological early-detection screening studies. Prospective studies and a meta-analysis (based on low-level evidence) have documented an improvement in the quality of life after gender reassignment treatment. Female-to-male gender-incongruent persons often have difficulty being accepted in a gynecological practice as a male patient. CONCLUZION Further prospective studies for the quantification of the risks and benefits of hormonal treatment would be desirable. Potential interactions of the hormone preparations with other medications must always be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesine Meyer
- Medical Clinic I: Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pneumology and Allergology, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nutritional Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Abstract
With the growing number of transgender and gender-nonbinary individuals who are becoming visible, it is clear that there is a need to develop a rigorous evidence base to inform care practice. Transgender health research is often limited to HIV/AIDS or mental health research and is typically subsumed in larger studies with general LGBTQ focus. Although the number of knowledgeable health care providers remains modest, the model for the medical approach to transgender health is shifting owing to growing social awareness and an appreciation of a biological component. Gender-affirming medicine facilitates aligning the body of the transgender person with the gender identity; typical treatment regimens include hormone therapy and/or surgical interventions. While broadly safe, hormone treatments require some monitoring for safety. Exogenous estrogens are associated with a dose-dependent increase in venous thromboembolic risk, and androgens stimulate erythropoiesis. The degree to which progressing gender-affirming hormone treatment changes cancer risk, cardiac heart disease risk, and/or bone health remains unknown. Guidelines referencing the potential exacerbation of cancer, heart disease, or other disease risk often rely on physiology models, because conclusive clinical data do not exist. Dedicated research infrastructure and funding are needed to address the knowledge gap in the field.
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Slack DJ, Safer JD. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH MAINTENANCE IN AGING INDIVIDUALS: THE IMPLICATIONS FOR TRANSGENDER MEN AND WOMEN ON HORMONE THERAPY. Endocr Pract 2021; 27:63-70. [PMID: 33475503 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review screening guidelines for cardiometabolic disease in aging patients and review literature describing the effect of hormone therapy (HT) on several key cardiometabolic processes to inform providers caring for older transgender individuals. METHODS A traditional literature review was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS The risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age. Exogenous sex hormones may interact with hormone-dependent metabolic pathways and affect some biochemical assays, but they do not necessarily impact clinical outcomes. While long-term HT is associated with an increased risk of some adverse cardiovascular outcomes, modern treatment regimens minimize this risk. CONCLUSION Screening for cardiometabolic derangements and risk reduction are important for all aging individuals. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to propose separate screening recommendations for transgender individuals on long-term HT. Aging transgender men and women should be monitored for cardiovascular disease in much the same way as their cisgender counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Slack
- Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Joshua D Safer
- Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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Aranda G, Halperin I, Gomez-Gil E, Hanzu FA, Seguí N, Guillamon A, Mora M. Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy in Transgender Population. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:718200. [PMID: 34659112 PMCID: PMC8515285 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.718200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Aranda
- Group of Endocrine Disorders, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer- Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Halperin
- Group of Endocrine Disorders, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer- Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Felicia A. Hanzu
- Group of Endocrine Disorders, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer- Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Seguí
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Guillamon
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Mora
- Group of Endocrine Disorders, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer- Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Mireia Mora,
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Fortin CN, Moravek MB. Medical transition for gender diverse patients. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2020; 9:166-177. [PMID: 36714061 PMCID: PMC9881054 DOI: 10.1007/s13669-020-00297-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of gender-affirming hormone therapy, including the various hormone regimens available, the efficacy and potential risks of these treatments, and considerations for surveillance and long-term care. Recent findings Recent studies reaffirm that hormone therapy has positive physical and psychological effects for many transgender individuals. The overall risks of treatment are low. Transgender women may have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and breast cancer based on recent cohort studies, but these findings have yet to be confirmed with randomized controlled trials. Important long-term considerations include metabolic, cardiovascular, and skeletal health. Summary High-quality, long-term studies on the effectiveness and safety of various gender-affirming hormone treatment regimens are lacking, but the currently available evidence suggests that it is overall safe and effective with appropriate oversight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Molly B. Moravek
- Corresponding author: L4001 Women’s Hospital, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI,
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Motta G, Marinelli L, Barale M, Brustio PR, Manieri C, Ghigo E, Procopio M, Lanfranco F. Fracture risk assessment in an Italian group of transgender women after gender-confirming surgery. J Bone Miner Metab 2020; 38:885-893. [PMID: 32691168 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-020-01127-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bone health is a critical issue in transgender women (TW) health care. Conflicting results have been reported on bone status after gender-confirming surgery (GCS). No recent data in Italian TW are available. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate fracture risk, lumbar spine BMD and 25OH vitamin D (25OHD) levels in a population of TW on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) after GCS. We retrospectively analyzed a group of 57 TW, aged 45.3 ± 11.3 years, referred to our Gender Dysphoria Clinic, at least 2 years after GCS. Anthropometric parameters, patient compliance to ERT, biochemical and hormonal assessment, lumbar spine BMD and fracture risk were evaluated. RESULTS Prevalence of low bone mass (Z-score ≤ -2) was 40% according to the natal gender. In this group, 17β-estradiol levels were significantly lower (median 21 pg/ml [25th-75th percentile 10.6-48.5] vs 63 pg/ml [38.5-99.5]; p < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of low compliance to ERT was recorded (83% vs 29%; p < 0.0001) compared to those with higher bone mass. An intermediate-high fracture risk was found in 14% of the sample. A high percentage (93%) of hypovitaminosis D was present. CONCLUSIONS TW on ERT have a high prevalence of low bone mass, significantly associated with low estradiol levels and low compliance to ERT. A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was highlighted. Considering that one out of seven TW showed an intermediate-high 10-year fracture risk, such risk assessment may be considered to prevent and manage osteoporosis in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Barale
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Riccardo Brustio
- NeuroMuscularFunction, Research Group, School of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Manieri
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Procopio
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Lanfranco
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
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Prince JCJ, Safer JD. Endocrine treatment of transgender individuals: current guidelines and strategies. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2020; 15:395-403. [PMID: 32990485 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2020.1825075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review summarizes gender affirming medical and surgical care available to transgender individuals, along with proposals to improve medically and culturally appropriate care. AREAS COVERED Transgender individuals are those whose gender identity differs from that recorded at birth (usually based on visualization of external sexual anatomy). In order to align the body with the patient's gender identity, clinicians can provide hormone therapy (HT) to bring sex hormone levels to the range associated with the patient's gender identity. At steady state, monitoring for maintenance of levels, as well as for known risks and complications, is required. Treating clinicians should have knowledge of trans assessment criteria, hormone therapy, surgical options, primary care, and mental health needs of transgender patients. A narrative literature review was conducted using Pubmed and EMBASE with articles then selected for relevance. The initial search terms were: androgen suppression, antiandrogen, breast development, chest reconstruction, cisgender, estrogen, fertility preservation, gender-affirming surgery, gender identity, gender incongruence, genital reconstruction, hormone replacement, hyperlipidemia, orchiectomy, prolactin, prostate atrophy, spermatogenesis, spironolactone, testosterone, thrombogenesis, transgender, and virilization. EXPERT OPINION Although guidelines exist and examples of training are available, systematic formal training must be implemented to truly mainstream high-quality gender-affirming health care .
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua D Safer
- Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, NY, USA
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Vivona P, Dagradi F, Ciulla MM. In a case of female-to-male sex reassignment, testosterone therapy switches on an underlying Brugada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARRHYTHMIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s42444-020-00025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The Brugada syndrome, diagnosed by a typical electrocardiographic pattern, is a genetic condition characterised by an increased risk of potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Even if its pathophysiological mechanism is unknown, its prevalence in male suggested a possible hormonal involvement.
Case presentation
In this case involving a woman who underwent a female-to-male sex reassignment, we documented that testosterone administration was able to switch on and, when stopped, to switch off a latent pattern of Brugada.
Conclusions
Our observation strongly supports a possible involvement of testosterone in the ECG manifestation of Brugada syndrome even if the general low prevalence of the Brugada syndrome does not support to screen every female-to-male sex reassignment.
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Rowniak S, Bolt L, Sharifi C. Effect of cross-sex hormones on the quality of life, depression and anxiety of transgender individuals: a quantitative systematic review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 17:1826-1854. [PMID: 31021971 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2017-003869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the review was to evaluate the effectiveness of cross-sex hormone use in improving quality of life and the related measures of depression and anxiety in transgender individuals. INTRODUCTION Transgender medicine as a specialty is still in its infancy and is beginning to attract more primary care providers. The use of hormones to aid in gender transition is expected to provide benefit with regard to quality of life, but there have been few high-quality studies. Two previous systematic reviews were found. One review included studies where participants had gender-affirming surgery, and the other review considered only prospective studies. Both reviews found a benefit with the use of hormones, despite the lack of high-quality studies. To describe outcomes specifically associated with hormone therapy, this review focused on patients who had not yet had surgical interventions, with an aim to inform primary care providers who are considering providing gender transition related-care in their office or clinic. INCLUSION CRITERIA Eligible studies included participants who were transgender (trans) women, trans men or who did not identify with the gender binary and were using cross-sex hormones. This review only considered studies where hormone use was under medical supervision. Studies that included participants who already had any form of gender-affirming surgery were excluded, as were studies that did not use a validated tool to measure quality of life, depression or anxiety. METHODS A comprehensive database search of PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO was conducted in August and September of 2017. The search for unpublished studies and gray literature included Google, the New York Academy of Medicine and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Conference Proceedings. No date limits were used in any part of the search. Study selection, critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers using the JBI protocols, standardized critical appraisal and data extraction tools. RESULTS Seven observational studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The total number of transgender participants in all the included studies was 552. Population sizes in the studies ranged from 14 to 163. In general, the certainty of the findings was low to very low due to issues with imprecision and indirectness. The use of cross-sex hormones was associated with improved quality of life, depression and anxiety scores, although no causation can be inferred. CONCLUSIONS Transgender participants who were prescribed cross-sex hormones had statistically significant scores demonstrating improvement on the validated scales that measured quality of life, anxiety and depression when compared to transgender people who had enrolled in a sex-reassignment clinic but had not yet begun taking cross-sex hormones. However, because the certainty of this evidence was very low to low, recommendations for hormone use to improve quality of life, depression and anxiety could not be made. High-quality research on this issue is needed, as is the development of a quality-of-life tool specific to the transgender population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Rowniak
- School of Nursing and Health Professionals, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Lindsay Bolt
- Institute for Nursing Excellence, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Health, San Francisco, USA.,UCSF Centre for Evidence Synthesis & Implementation: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
| | - Claire Sharifi
- University of San Francisco Gleeson Library, Geschke Center, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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Cheung AS, Leemaqz SY, Wong JWP, Chew D, Ooi O, Cundill P, Silberstein N, Locke P, Zwickl S, Grayson R, Zajac JD, Pang KC. Non-Binary and Binary Gender Identity in Australian Trans and Gender Diverse Individuals. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2673-2681. [PMID: 32285311 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Many trans and gender diverse (TGD) people have gender identities that are not exclusively male or female but instead fall in-between or outside of the gender binary (non-binary). It remains unclear if and how those with non-binary gender identity differ from TGD individuals with binary identities. We aimed to understand the sociodemographic and mental health characteristics of people with non-binary identities compared with binary TGD identities. We performed a retrospective audit of new consultations for gender dysphoria between 2011 and 2016 in three clinical settings in Melbourne, Australia; (1) Equinox Clinic, an adult primary care clinic, (2) an adult endocrine specialist clinic, and (3) the Royal Children's Hospital, a child and adolescent specialist referral clinic. Age (grouped by decade), gender identity, sociodemographic, and mental health conditions were recorded. Of 895 TGD individuals, 128 (14.3%) had a non-binary gender. Proportions differed by clinical setting; 30.4% of people attending the adult primary care clinic, 7.4% attending the adult endocrine specialist clinic, and 8.0% attending the pediatric clinic identified as non-binary. A total of 29% of people in the 21-30-year-old age-group had a non-binary gender identity, higher than all other age-groups. Compared to TGD people with a binary gender identity, non-binary people had lower rates of gender-affirming interventions, and a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and illicit drug use. Tailoring clinical services to be inclusive of non-binary people and strategies to support mental health are required. Further research to better understand health needs and guide evidence-based gender-affirming interventions for non-binary people are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada S Cheung
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
| | - Shalem Y Leemaqz
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Denise Chew
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and University of Melbourne (Department of Paediatrics), Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivia Ooi
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Pauline Cundill
- Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre, Thorne Harbour Health, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Silberstein
- Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre, Thorne Harbour Health, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Locke
- Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre, Thorne Harbour Health, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Sav Zwickl
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Ren Grayson
- Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre, Thorne Harbour Health, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Ken C Pang
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and University of Melbourne (Department of Paediatrics), Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Gómez Á, Cerdán S, Pérez-Laso C, Ortega E, Pásaro E, Fernández R, Gómez-Gil E, Mora M, Marcos A, Del Cerro MCR, Guillamon A. Effects of adult male rat feminization treatments on brain morphology and metabolomic profile. Horm Behav 2020; 125:104839. [PMID: 32800765 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Body feminization, as part of gender affirmation process of transgender women, decreases the volume of their cortical and subcortical brain structures. In this work, we implement a rat model of adult male feminization which reproduces the results in the human brain and allows for the longitudinal investigation of the underlying structural and metabolic determinants in the brain of adult male rats undergoing feminization treatments. Structural MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) were used to non-invasively monitor in vivo cortical brain volume and white matter microstructure over 30 days in adult male rats receiving estradiol (E2), estradiol plus cyproterone acetate (CA), an androgen receptor blocker and antigonadotropic agent (E2 + CA), or vehicle (control). Ex vivo cerebral metabolic profiles were assessed by 1H High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning NMR (1H HRMAS) at the end of the treatments in samples from brain regions dissected after focused microwave fixation (5 kW). We found that; a) Groups receiving E2 and E2 + CA showed a generalized bilateral decrease in cortical volume; b) the E2 + CA and, to a lesser extent, the E2 groups maintained fractional anisotropy values over the experiment while these values decreased in the control group; c) E2 treatment produced increases in the relative concentration of brain metabolites, including glutamate and glutamine and d) the glutamine relative concentration and fractional anisotropy were negatively correlated with total cortical volume. These results reveal, for the first time to our knowledge, that the volumetric decreases observed in trans women under cross-sex hormone treatment can be reproduced in a rat model. Estrogens are more potent drivers of brain changes in male rats than anti-androgen treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Gómez
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sebastián Cerdán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Pérez-Laso
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de educación a Distancia, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esperanza Ortega
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Eduardo Pásaro
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rosa Fernández
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Esther Gómez-Gil
- Unidad de Identidad de Género, Departamento de Psiquiatría, Hospital Clínic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Mora
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Hospital Clínic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de educación a Distancia, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Cruz Rodríguez Del Cerro
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de educación a Distancia, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Guillamon
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de educación a Distancia, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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45
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Schwindt R, Elkhadragy N, Hudmon KS. Tobacco-Related Health Disparities in Gender-Diverse Populations: A Call to Action. Transgend Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2019.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda Schwindt
- The George Washington University School of Nursing, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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46
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Lennie Y, Leareng K, Evered L. Perioperative considerations for transgender women undergoing routine surgery: a narrative review. Br J Anaesth 2020; 124:702-711. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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47
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Earl DC, Brown LK. On Not Knowing What We Don't Know to Knowing What We Don't Know: Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Transgender Community. J Clin Sleep Med 2020; 15:1393-1395. [PMID: 31596202 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David C Earl
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Lee K Brown
- University of New Mexico Health System Sleep Disorders Centers, Albuquerque, New Mexico.,Sleep Medicine Section, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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48
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Kranz GS, Zhang BBB, Handschuh P, Ritter V, Lanzenberger R. Gender-affirming hormone treatment - A unique approach to study the effects of sex hormones on brain structure and function. Cortex 2020; 129:68-79. [PMID: 32438011 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Investigating the effects of the gender-affirming hormone treatment of transgender people using neuroimaging provides a unique opportunity to study the impact of high dosages of sex hormones on human brain structure and function. This line of research is of relevance from a basic neuroscientific as well as from a psychiatric viewpoint. Prevalence rates, etiopathology, and disease course of many psychiatric disorders exhibit sex differences which are linked to differences in sex hormone levels. Here, we review recent neuroimaging studies from others and our group that investigate the effects of gender-affirming hormone treatment in a longitudinal design utilizing structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. Studies point to a general anabolic and anticatabolic effect of testosterone on grey and white matter structure, whereas estradiol and antiandrogen treatment seems to have partly opposite effects. Moreover, preliminary research indicates that gender-affirming hormone treatment influences serotonergic neurotransmission, a finding that is especially interesting for psychiatry. A clear picture of a hormonal influence on brain activity has yet to emerge. In conclusion, the available evidence reviewed here clearly indicates that sex hormone applications influence brain structure and function in the adult human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg S Kranz
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| | - Bella B B Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Patricia Handschuh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vera Ritter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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49
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Nokoff NJ, Scarbro SL, Moreau KL, Zeitler P, Nadeau KJ, Juarez-Colunga E, Kelsey MM. Body Composition and Markers of Cardiometabolic Health in Transgender Youth Compared With Cisgender Youth. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:dgz029. [PMID: 31544944 PMCID: PMC7112978 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT As many as 1.8% of adolescents identify as transgender and many more seek care, yet the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on cardiometabolic health is unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine insulin sensitivity and body composition among transgender females (TF) and males (TM) on estradiol or testosterone, compared with cisgender females (CF) and males (CM). DESIGN Pilot, cross-sectional study conducted from 2016-2018. SETTING Academic regional transgender referral center. PARTICIPANTS Transgender adolescents on either testosterone or estradiol for at least 3 months were recruited. Nineteen TM were matched to 19 CM and 42 CF on pubertal stage and body mass index (BMI). Eleven TF were matched to 23 CF and 13 TF to 24 CM on age and BMI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES 1/[fasting insulin] and body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). RESULTS Total body fat was lower in TM than CF mean ± SD: (29% ± 7% vs 33% ± 7%; P = 0.002) and higher than in CM (28% ± 7% vs 24% ± 9%; P = 0.047). TM had higher lean mass than CF (68% ± 7% vs 64% ± 7%, P = 0.002) and lower than CM (69% ± 7% vs 73% ± 8%; P = 0.029). Insulin sensitivity was not different between the groups.TF had lower body fat than CF (31% ± 7% vs 35% ± 8%; P = 0.033) and higher than CM (28% ± 6% vs 20% ± 10%; P = 0.001). TF had higher lean mass than CF (66% ± 6% vs 62% ± 7%; P = 0.032) and lower than CM (69% ± 5% vs 77% ± 9%; P = 0.001). TF were more insulin resistant than CM (0.078 ± 0.025 vs 0.142 ± 0.064 mL/μU; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS Transgender adolescents on GAHT have significant differences in body composition compared with cisgender controls, with a body composition intermediate between BMI-matched CMs and CFs. These changes in body composition may have consequences for the cardiometabolic health of transgender adolescents. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV NCT02550431.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Nokoff
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Center for Women's Health Research, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Sharon L Scarbro
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Colorado School of Public Health
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS)
- Rocky Mountain Prevention Research Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Public Health
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Center for Women's Health Research, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Eastern Colorado Veteran Affairs (VA) Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)
| | - Philip Zeitler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Kristen J Nadeau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Center for Women's Health Research, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Elizabeth Juarez-Colunga
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS)
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health
| | - Megan M Kelsey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Center for Women's Health Research, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
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50
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Klaver M, de Mutsert R, van der Loos MATC, Wiepjes CM, Twisk JWR, den Heijer M, Rotteveel J, Klink DT. Hormonal Treatment and Cardiovascular Risk Profile in Transgender Adolescents. Pediatrics 2020; 145:peds.2019-0741. [PMID: 32102929 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The effects of endocrinological treatment on cardiovascular risk profile in transgender adolescents are unknown. In this retrospective cohort study, we aim to investigate these effects and assess obesity and dyslipidemia prevalence in transgender adolescents at 22 years compared with peers. METHODS Changes in BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid values during treatment, along with the prevalence of obesity and dyslipidemia at 22 years, were recorded in 71 transwomen and 121 transmen who started gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in their adolescence (15 years), with a subsequent addition of sex hormones (17 years). RESULTS In transwomen, changes in BMI (+3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6 to 4.4), SBP (-2 mm Hg; 95% CI -7 to 3), DBP (+10 mm Hg; 95% CI 7 to 14), glucose (0.0 mmol/L; 95% CI -0.2 to 0.2), HOMA-IR (+0.6; 95% CI -0.6 to 1.9), and lipid values were similar or more favorable compared with peers. The same was true for transmen regarding changes in BMI (+2.3; 95% CI 1.7 to 2.9), SBP (+7 mm Hg; 95% CI 3 to 10), DBP (+7 mm Hg; 95% CI 5 to 10), glucose (+0.1 mmol/L; 95% CI -0.1 to 0.3), HOMA-IR (-0.2; 95% CI -0.8 to 0.3), and lipid values. At age 22, obesity prevalence was 9.9% in transwomen, 6.6% in transmen, 2.2% in ciswomen, and 3.0% in cismen. CONCLUSIONS Generally, endocrinological treatment in transgender adolescents is safe regarding cardiovascular risk. Because obesity is more prevalent in transgender adolescents compared with peers, body weight management should be important during the medical trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maartje Klaver
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Jos W R Twisk
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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