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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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Mellin CS, Braun M, Walch A, Cohen JR, Kaufman M, Seligman M, Percelay R, Tang AF, Lee JY. Pediatric Gender Diversity Beyond the Binary: An Exploration of Gender-Affirming Care for Nonbinary and Genderqueer Youth Seen Over Time at a Single Institution Gender Center. Transgend Health 2024; 9:107-117. [PMID: 38585244 PMCID: PMC10998026 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2021.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The nonbinary and genderqueer (NBGQ) youth population is growing, yet scant research focuses on this distinct group. We aim to gain a deeper understanding of desired gender-affirming care and interventions pursued by NBGQ youth. Methods A retrospective chart review of NBGQ patients seen at the University of California, San Francisco Child and Adolescent Gender Center from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2020, was performed. Demographic information, desired gender-affirming care, and gender-affirming interventions pursued at initial and most recent visits were collected. Results Initial visit charts of 116 NBGQ youth who attended more than one clinic visit were reviewed. In total, 48 unique genders were documented; gender evolved over time for some youth, as did desired gender-affirming care. At the most recent visit, 15 youth (12.9%) had a binary gender, and 101 youth (87.1%) had an NBGQ gender. At the initial visit, 56 youth (48.3%) were interested in gender-affirming hormone therapy, compared with 75 youth (65.6%) at the most recent visit. In addition, 21 (18.1%) and 49 (42.2%) youth were interested in surgery at the initial and most recent visits, respectively. In general, interest in interventions was higher than pursuit of interventions. Conclusion There is vast diversity of gender and differences in desired gender-affirming care within the NBGQ youth population. Desires for gender-affirming care within the cohort changed over time, and not all those who expressed a desire for an intervention received it. The reasons are likely multifactorial, highlighting the need for expectation-free and patient-specific affirming care and research on the NBGQ youth population, while also considering barriers to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy S. Mellin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mitchell Braun
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Abby Walch
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jessie Rose Cohen
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Misha Kaufman
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Molly Seligman
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rachel Percelay
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alex F. Tang
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Janet Y. Lee
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Endocrine and Metabolism Section, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
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Carroll R, Sepulveda B, McLeod L, Stephenson C, Carroll RW. Characteristics and gender affirming healthcare needs of transgender and non-binary students starting hormone therapy in a student health service in Aotearoa New Zealand. J Prim Health Care 2023; 15:106-111. [PMID: 37390028 DOI: 10.1071/hc23040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Traditionally, gender-affirming hormonal therapy (GAHT) is initiated in secondary care, but a primary care based approach has been developed to reduce access barriers. Aim We aim to describe the demographics, hormone choices, and additional referrals made for young people initiating GAHT in a primary care setting in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods Clinical notes were reviewed for all patients who commenced GAHT between 1 July 2020 to the end of 2022 at a tertiary education health service. Data were collected on age, ethnicity, gender, type of hormones prescribed, and any additional referrals. Results Eighty five patients commenced GAHT during the review period (64% assigned male at birth and starting oestrogen-based GAHT, 36% assigned female at birth and commencing testosterone-based GAHT). Fourty seven percent of patients identified as transgender female, 38% as non-binary, and 15% as transgender male. Spironolactone was the most common choice of testosterone blocker (81%). The choice of oestrogen formulation was fairly equal between patches (54%) and tablets (46%). Eighty percent of those assigned male at birth chose to preserve fertility, 54% requested voice therapy, and 87% of those assigned female at birth requested top surgery. Discussion There is a need for improved understanding of non-binary gender-affirmation needs, in particular those of Māori and Pasifika youth. An informed consent approach in primary care can reduce barriers and distress for transgender youth seeking GAHT. The high unmet need for top surgery for transgender people assigned female at birth requires attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona Carroll
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand; and Mauri Ora Student Health and Counselling Service, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Bianca Sepulveda
- Mauri Ora Student Health and Counselling Service, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Lane McLeod
- University of Otago Medical School, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Richard W Carroll
- Endocrine, Diabetes and Research Centre, Te Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley
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Hodax JK, DiVall S. Gender-affirming endocrine care for youth with a nonbinary gender identity. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2023; 14:20420188231160405. [PMID: 37006780 PMCID: PMC10064168 DOI: 10.1177/20420188231160405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonbinary individuals, or those who identify outside of the traditional gender binary, are currently present in up to 9% of the general population of youth or up to 55% of gender-diverse youth. Despite the high numbers of nonbinary individuals, this population continues to experience barriers to healthcare due to providers' inability to see beyond the transgender binary and lack of competence in providing nonbinary care. In this narrative review, we discuss using embodiment goals to individualize care of nonbinary individuals, and review hormonal and nonhormonal treatment options for gender affirmation. Hormonal treatments include those often used in binary transgender individuals, such as testosterone, estradiol, and anti-androgens, but with adjustments to dosing or timeline to best meet a nonbinary individual's embodiment goals. Less commonly used medications such as selective estrogen receptor antagonists are also discussed. For nonhormonal options, alterations in gender expression such as chest binding, tucking and packing genitalia, and voice training may be beneficial, as well as gender-affirming surgeries. Many of these treatments lack research specific to nonbinary individuals and especially nonbinary youth, and future research is needed to ensure safety and efficacy of gender-affirming care in this population.
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Huang C, Gold S, Radi R, Amos S, Yeung H. Managing Dermatologic Effects of Gender-Affirming Therapy in Transgender Adolescents. Adolesc Health Med Ther 2022; 13:93-106. [PMID: 36237602 PMCID: PMC9552673 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s344078] [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: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgender adolescents seek gender-affirming medical care to address gender identity and incongruence. Improved understanding of the dermatologic impact of gender-affirming medical care such as pubertal suppression, hormone therapy, and surgeries can enhance patient outcome. Pubertal suppression treats dysphoria associated with development of secondary sex characteristics, including androgen-driven acne. Gender-affirming hormone therapy influences acne and hair development in transgender adolescents. Dermatologists can help manage skin effects associated with chest binding and gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgery. Provision of patient-centered gender-affirming care in dermatologic and multidisciplinary settings is essential to improve skin and overall outcomes of gender-affirming therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Gold
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rakan Radi
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Seth Amos
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Howa Yeung
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Clinical Resource Hub, Veterans Affairs Southeast Network Veterans Integrated Service Network 7, Decatur, GA, USA
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Cocchetti C, Romani A, Collet S, Greenman Y, Schreiner T, Wiepjes C, den Heijer M, T’Sjoen G, Fisher AD. The ENIGI (European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence) Study: Overview of Acquired Endocrine Knowledge and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071784. [PMID: 35407392 PMCID: PMC8999511 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Literature on the efficacy and safety of gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) in transgender people is limited. For this reason, in 2010 the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI) study was born. The aim of this review is to summarize evidence emerging from this prospective multicentric study and to identify future perspectives. GAHT was effective in inducing desired body changes in both trans AMAB and AFAB people (assigned male and female at birth, respectively). Evidence from the ENIGI study confirmed the overall safety of GAHT in the short/mid-term. In trans AMAB people, an increase in prolactin levels was demonstrated, whereas the most common side effects in trans AFAB people were acne development, erythrocytosis, and unfavorable changes in lipid profile. The main future perspectives should include the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of non-standardized hormonal treatment in non-binary trans people. Furthermore, long-term safety data on mortality rates, oncological risk, and cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and thromboembolic events are lacking. With this aim, we decided to extend the observation of the ENIGI study to 10 years in order to study all these aspects in depth and to answer these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Cocchetti
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50100 Florence, Italy; (C.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Alessia Romani
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50100 Florence, Italy; (C.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Sarah Collet
- Department of Endocrinology, Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.C.); (G.T.)
| | - Yona Greenman
- Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Thomas Schreiner
- Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital, 0130 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Chantal Wiepjes
- Department of Endocrinology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.W.); (M.d.H.)
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin den Heijer
- Department of Endocrinology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.W.); (M.d.H.)
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guy T’Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.C.); (G.T.)
| | - Alessandra Daphne Fisher
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50100 Florence, Italy; (C.C.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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