Bone health of transgender adults: what the radiologist needs to know

No Bones About It: Sex Is Binary

Anthropologists have led the way in formulating techniques that reveal skeletal differences between males and females. Understanding of physical differences in the pelvis related to childbirth, hormonal impacts on bones, and extensive comparative studies have provided anthropologists with an array of traits and measurements that help them estimate sex using just bones. Forensic anthropologists and bioarcheologists are improving their ability to differentiate males and females by increasing research on a variety of postcranial bones and through the use of molecular data, especially new methods called proteomics, to identify sex in prepubescent juveniles. As remains from more cultures and time periods are studied, sex identification will continue to improve, because skeletal sex differences are in large part biologically determined. Yet, anthropologists have also been at the forefront of arguing that sex lies on a spectrum. Anthropologists who view sex as on a spectrum may deter sex identification progress; from their perspective, an individual of an undetermined sex may just be a nonbinary individual. Anthropologists who consider sex is on a spectrum are coming to this conclusion in part because they are looking for anatomical ideals, mistaking pathology for variation, and confusing independent variables with dependent variables. Nonetheless, anthropologists need to continue to improve sex identification techniques to reconstruct the past accurately, which may reveal less strict sex roles than previously presumed and help with the identification of crime victims. Forensic anthropologists should also increase their efforts to identify whether individuals have undergone medical procedures intended to change one's gender due to the current rise in transitioning individuals.

Three cases highlighting possible discrepancies in the interpretation of transgender DXA scores

For diagnosis of osteoporosis, a T-score of ≤-2.5 is recommended for all transgender and gender-diverse patients aged 50 years or older, regardless of hormonal status. This case series presents 3 transgender individuals younger than 50 years undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) who had DXA scores suggestive of osteoporosis. We highlight possible discrepancies in DXA scan interpretations, especially in forearm bone mineral density measurements. We present the baseline (prior to beginning GAHT), 6-month, and 1-year follow-up DXA data along with pertinent labs to include 25-OH vitamin D, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase, for 2 transgender males (assigned female at birth) and 1 transgender female (assigned male at birth) undergoing GAHT who had low Z-scores and T-scores suggestive of osteoporosis. Multiple studies have analyzed the BMD data of individuals taking GAHT over time, which identify possible causes for low baseline Z-scores for transgender females, but less so for transgender males. Other than positional statements, guidelines remain unclear regarding diagnostic approaches to osteoporosis and low Z-scores in transgender individuals who are premenopausal or under 50 years of age. This case series addresses discrepancies in interpretation that may be encountered by clinicians with baseline and follow-up DXAs, especially involving the forearm, during the course of GAHT. This highlights the importance of establishing clearer guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and low BMD for chronological age in the transgender population.

Psychopharmacological Considerations for Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

ABSTRACT

The field of transgender health has grown exponentially since the early 2010s. While this increased visibility has not been without controversy, there is growing acknowledgement of the needs of transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive (TNG) patients and the health disparities they experience compared to the cisgender population. There is also increased interest among clinicians and trainees in providing gender-affirming care in all medical specialties. This is particularly relevant in psychiatry as mental health disparities in TNG patients have been well-documented. TNG patients experience significant minority stress and higher rates of psychiatric illness, self-harm, suicidality, and psychiatric hospitalization compared to their cisgender peers. In this review, we will cover potential interactions and side effects relevant to psychiatric medication management for the three most common medication classes prescribed as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT): gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor agonists, estradiol, and testosterone. Although no studies directly examining the efficacy of psychiatric medications or their interactions with GAHT for TNG patients have been published yet, we have synthesized the existing literature from both cisgender and TNG patients to shed light on health care disparities seen in TNG patients. Since clinicians' lack of comfort and familiarity with gender-affirming care contributes significantly to these disparities, we hope this narrative review will help psychiatric prescribers provide TNG patients with the same quality of care that cisgender patients receive.

What Cardiothoracic Radiologists Should Know About Imaging in Transgender Patients

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals may undergo a wide range of care during gender transition including mental health counseling, gender-affirming hormonal therapy, and various surgeries. Hormone therapy effectively converts the hormonal milieu into that of the affirmed gender and produces measurable alterations in serum markers for coronary artery disease and other hematologic conditions (eg, erythrocytosis, venous thrombosis). Although illegal in the United States, some transgender women may receive silicone injections for breast and soft tissue augmentation, which can lead to devastating local complications, as well as silicone migration, pulmonary embolism, systemic reactions, and death. Smoking rates are higher among transgender and sexual minority populations, placing them at elevated risk of smoking-related diseases, including lung cancer. Some opportunistic infections may be more common in the TGD populations, attributable to higher rates of coexisting infection with human immunodeficiency virus. Radiologists should be aware that these patients may develop cancer of their natal organs (eg, breast, prostate), especially as some of these tissues are not completely removed during gender-affirming surgery, which may manifest with thoracic involvement by secondary neoplasia. As more TGD patients seek medical care, thoracic radiologists can reasonably expect to interpret imaging performed in this population and should be aware of possible disease processes and potential complications of hormonal and surgical therapies.