Anti-Androgenic Effects Comparison Between Cyproterone Acetate and Spironolactone in Transgender Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Current opinions invited review: testosterone and transgender medicine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Transgender individuals have a gender identity incongruent with their sex assigned at birth. Social, medical and surgical methods are often affirming. This review focuses on updates from the last 18 months mainly in testosterone use in masculinising gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in postpubertal adults, and also antiandrogens for suppression or blockade of endogenous testosterone in feminising GAHT. Mental and sexual healthcare are vital for many transgender patients, but are not the focus of this review.

RECENT FINDINGS

There has been a considerable increase in publications regarding testosterone GAHT in recent years, though narrative reviews, opinion pieces and case series continue to dominate. There has also been a notable increase in prospective studies and valuable data particularly from large longitudinal cohorts and studies aiming to refine GAHT prescribing and better understand long-term effects on aspects such as fertility, cardiometabolic and bone health as well as adverse effects.

SUMMARY

Testosterone GAHT is life changing. Increased research will help GAHT optimisation, and improve understanding of tissue-specific impacts and long-term safety. Longer-term data, prospective studies and utilisation of novel research tools and approaches are needed to enrich our understanding and prescribing of testosterone and its blockers in GAHT.

Effect of Spironolactone and Cyproterone Acetate on Breast Growth in Transgender People: A Randomized Clinical Trial

CONTEXT

Transgender people with sex recorded male at birth desiring feminization commonly use cyproterone acetate or spironolactone as antiandrogens with estradiol, but the optimal antiandrogen is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the effect of antiandrogens on breast development. We hypothesized this would be greater in those treated with cyproterone acetate than spironolactone due to more potent androgen receptor antagonism and suppression of serum total testosterone concentrations.

METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was conducted between 2020-2022 at an outpatient endocrinology clinic. Transgender people aged 18+ years old commencing feminizing gender affirming hormone therapy were included. The intervention was standardized estradiol therapy plus either spironolactone 100 mg daily or cyproterone acetate 12.5 mg daily for 6 months. The primary outcome was breast development as measured by the breast-chest distance. Secondary outcomes included estimated breast volume, suppression of serum total testosterone concentration <2 nmol/L, and Gender Preoccupation and Stability Questionnaire (GPSQ).

RESULTS

Sixty-three people (median age 25 years) were enrolled, randomized, and included in intention to treat analysis (cyproterone acetate n = 32, spironolactone n = 31). At 6 months, there was no between-group difference in breast-chest distance (mean difference 0.27 cm, 95% CI -0.82 to 1.35, P = .6) or estimated breast volume (mean difference 17.26 mL, 95% CI -16.94 to 51.47, P = .3). Cyproterone acetate was more likely to suppress serum testosterone concentration to <2 nmol/L (odds ratio 9.01, 95% CI 1.83 to 4.44, P = .008). Changes in GPSQ were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Antiandrogen choice should be based on clinician and patient preference with consideration of side effects. Further research is needed to optimize breast development in transgender people.

Individualized and innovative gender healthcare for transgender and nonbinary youth

Increasing numbers of transgender and nonbinary youth are now accessing gender-affirming medical interventions, which have been demonstrated to improve health and well-being. This Perspective addresses how the needs of transgender and nonbinary youth, up to age 18, can be addressed through individualized gender-embodiment care. We first review standard medical therapies, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, 17β-oestradiol, testosterone, steroidal antiandrogens and progestins, followed by presenting novel approaches to individualizing gender healthcare for transgender and nonbinary youth, consisting of selective oestrogen receptor modulators, 5α-reductase inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors and non-steroidal antiandrogens. Ethical guidance for off-label prescribing is provided, grounded in the principles of evidence, benefit, safety, respect, care, communication, transparency, equity and innovation. These ethical principles are applied in three clinical scenarios in which off-label therapies are considered. We conclude that standard medical therapies are ethically justified and that novel therapies can be ethically acceptable when carefully considered in the context of an individual youth's care plan and taking into account the available theoretical, clinical and research evidence as well as the potential benefits and potential risks. In keeping with the principle of innovation, we encourage clinicians and researchers to share evidence of medical innovations that support the gender health of transgender and nonbinary youth.

High-Dose Cyproterone Acetate and Intracranial Meningioma: Impact of the Risk Minimisation Measures Implemented in France in 2018-2019

PURPOSE

To measure the impact of national regulatory actions implemented in France in August 2018 and June 2019 to reduce the risk of meningioma associated with the use of cyproterone acetate (CPA).

METHODS

Using the French National Healthcare database, we calculated the monthly number of CPA users among cisgender women, men and transgender women in 2010-2021, the monthly proportion of users with cerebral imaging screening, and the annual rate of meningioma surgery associated with CPA use. CPA discontinuations and switches were analysed.

RESULTS

Between 2018 and 2021, the number of individuals exposed to CPA fell by 85% (55 000 in August 2018 versus 7900 users of high-dose CPA in December 2021), corresponding to two waves of decrease in both use and initiation. This drop was greater among cisgender women (88%) than men (69%) or transgender women (50%). Cerebral imaging screening increased from 11% in June 2018 to 70% in June 2021 for ciswomen (13%-51% for men, 9%-60% for transwomen). After CPA discontinuation, no massive shift to a single product was observed, but, instead, dispersion towards other hormonal therapies. The overall annual rate of meningioma surgery associated with CPA exposure spectacularly decreased between 2017 and 2021 (-93% for ciswomen and -86% for men).

CONCLUSION

In France, high-dose CPA use sharply decreased after the implementation of national regulatory measures without a massive switch to other hormonal therapies. The increase in cerebral imaging screening did not result in an increase in meningioma surgery associated with CPA, but rather a massive drop of over 90%.

Association between serum estradiol and cardiovascular health among transgender adults using gender-affirming estrogen therapy

Gender-affirming estrogen therapy (GAET) is commonly used for feminization in transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals, yet the optimal rate of change (ROC) in estradiol levels for cardiovascular health is unclear. We examined the association between serum estradiol levels and cardiovascular-related mortality, adverse events, and risk factors in TNB adults using GAET. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were systematically searched (inception-April 2023) for original articles reporting serum estradiol levels and cardiovascular-related mortality, adverse events, and risk factors in TNB adults using GAET. Data extraction was completed in duplicate following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Stratified random effect meta-analyses using serum estradiol ROC (serum estradiolbaseline - serum estradiolfollow-up/study duration) was used to assess longitudinal studies (low, 0 < ROC ≤ 1 pg/mL/mo; moderate, 1 < ROC ≤ 3 pg/mL/mo; high, ROC ≥ 3 pg/mL/mo). Thirty-five studies (13 cross-sectional, 19 cohort, and 3 trials) were included. Two studies collectively reported 50 cardiovascular-related deaths, and four collectively reported 23 adverse cardiovascular events. Nineteen studies reporting cardiovascular risk factors were meta-analyzed by ROC stratum (low = 5; moderate = 6; high = 8), demonstrating an association between moderate [0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22, 0.59 kg/m2, I2 = 28.2%] and high (0.46, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.78 kg/m2; I2 = 0.0%) serum estradiol ROC and increased body mass index. High (-6.67, 95% CI: -10.65, -2.68 mg/dL; I2 = 0.0%) serum estradiol ROC was associated with decreased low-density lipoproteins. Low (-7.05, 95% CI: -10.40, -3.70 mmHg; I2 = 0.0%) and moderate (-3.69, 95% CI: -4.93, -2.45 mmHg; I2 = 0.0%) serum estradiol ROCs were associated with decreases in systolic blood pressure. In TNB adults using GAET, serum estradiol ROC may influence cardiovascular risk factors, which may have implications for clinical cardiovascular outcomes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 studies involving 7,745 participants, high rates of serum estradiol change were associated with small increases in body mass index. Moderate to high rates of change were associated with decreases in low-density lipoprotein. Low rates of change were associated with small decreases in systolic blood pressure. Rate of serum estradiol change in adults using gender-affirming estrogen therapy may influence cardiovascular risk factors, though further research is warranted.

Effects of gender affirming hormone treatment in transgender individuals - a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Gender affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) results in measurable changes to anthropomorphic, biochemical and hormonal variables that are important to patients and their health care professionals to guide treatment. This study sought to quantify changes which occur in response to initiation of GAHT.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of outcomes in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients starting GAHT. The primary outcome was proportion of patients and time required to achieve optimal hormone levels after commencement of GAHT. Additional analyses were performed to assess whether clinical and biochemical factors were associated with likelihood of achieving target hormone levels.

RESULTS

345 patients were included. Among 154 transmasculine individuals, 116 (75%) achieved a testosterone level >10 nmol/L during follow-up at a median of 4-months (IQR 4-9). No clinical or biochemical factors were significantly associated with likelihood of reaching therapeutic testosterone concentrations in transmen. Among 191 transfeminine individuals, 131 (72%) achieved a testosterone level <2.0 nmol/L during follow-up at a median of 4-months (IQR 3-9). Factors associated with increased likelihood of testosterone suppression were use of subdermal estradiol implants as well as cyproterone acetate as an androgen antagonist. Changes in differing directions were observed during repeated measures of lipids, liver function, and blood count between transmasculine and transfeminine individuals, reflecting the important effects of testosterone and estradiol on biochemical tests ordered as part of routine clinical care.

CONCLUSION

Most TGD patients achieve target testosterone levels within 9 months of GAHT initiation. Adverse effects of GAHT are rare, and are usually mild.

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

PURPOSE

Treatment guidelines for gender-affirming hormone therapy with estrogen (GAHT-E) recommend specific dosing regimens based on limited data. Well-controlled efficacy trials are essential to tailoring treatment to patient goals as the guidelines recommend. The goal of this study was to take a foundational step toward designing community-centered effectiveness trials for gender-diverse individuals seeking GAHT-E.

METHODS

Our team developed a cross-sectional survey based on broad clinical experience and consultation with our community advisory board. The survey included 60 items covering demographics, transition history, goals and priorities for treatment, indicators of treatment success, sexual function goals, and future research priorities. The survey was distributed during the summer of 2021, primarily through social networks designed for gender-expansive individuals seeking treatment with estrogen.

RESULTS

A total of 1270 individuals completed the survey. Overall treatment goals most frequently rated "extremely important" or "very important" were the following: (1) improved satisfaction with life (81%), (2) appearing more feminine (80%), (3) appearing less masculine (77%), (4) improved mental health (76%), and (5) being seen as your true gender by others (75%). The three body characteristics most frequently rated "highest priority" or "high priority" among changes were the following: (1) facial hair (85%), (2) breast shape or size (84%), and (3) body shape (80%). The highest-rated research priority was comparing feminization with different routes of estrogen administration.

CONCLUSION

The goals and experiences of individuals seeking GAHT-E are diverse. Future clinical trials of GAHT-E should be grounded in the needs and priorities of community stakeholders.

The efficacy of and user satisfaction with different antiandrogens in Chinese transgender women

Objective

Cyproterone acetate (CPA) and spironolactone (SPL) are different antiandrogens in gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for transgender women. Few studies have evaluated their efficacy and user satisfaction, especially among East Asians. This study aimed to evaluate these aspects in Chinese transgender women.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from transgender women visiting the Peking University Third Hospital from 2012 to 2021. From 639 people identified as transgender women, 151 of them (80 using CPA and 71 using SPL, 16 to 40-year-old) under stable GAHT ≥6 months were enrolled. Total testosterone levels and visual analogue scale (VAS)-based satisfaction scores were evaluated.

Results

No difference was observed in age between the CPA and SPL groups (median [IQR], 22 [20-24] years and 23 [20-26] years, respectively). The duration of GAHT was longer in CPA group than in SPL group (18 [10-32] months vs. 12 [8-21] months, p = 0.009). Total testosterone levels were significantly lower with CPA treatment (25 mg/d) than with SPL treatment (100 mg/d) (median [IQR]: 0.7 [0.7-2.1] nmol/L vs. 13.0 [6.0-17.8] nmol/L, p < 0.001). The proportion of total testosterone levels reaching the recommended range was significantly higher in CPA group than in SPL group (75.0% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.001). VAS-based satisfaction scores for erection decreased and figure feminization were higher in CPA group than in SPL group, which remained unchanged after adjusting for age, treatment duration, estradiol dose, and comorbid mental disorders (p < 0.05). The prolactin levels were higher in CPA group than in SPL group (18.9 [11.8-28.1] ng/ml vs. 11.8 [7.9-18.4] ng/ml, p < 0.001). No severe safety events were reported in both groups.

Conclusion

In Chinese transgender women, CPA was more effective than SPL in lowering testosterone levels. Additionally, VAS scores indicated greater satisfaction with erection decreased and figure feminization using CPA compared to SPL.

Risk assessment of transgender people: implementation of a demasculinizing-feminizing rodent model including the evaluation of thyroid homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Individuals whose gender identity differs from the biological sex and the social norms are defined as transgender. Sometimes transgender undergo gender affirming hormone therapy, which lasts for the entire life making essential to evaluate its potential long-term effects. Moreover, transgender can represent a susceptible sub-group of population and specific attention is needed in risk assessment, including the development of targeted animal models. Aim of the study is the implementation of a rodent demasculinizing-feminizing model through the setting of appropriate dose of hormone therapy and the selection of specific biomarkers to evaluate the sex transition. Specific attention is paid to thyroid homeostasis due to the close link with reproductive functions. Four male adult rats/group were subcutaneously exposed to three doses plus control of β-estradiol valerate plus cyproterone acetate at: 0.045 + 0.2 (low), 0.09 + 0.2 (medium) and 0.18 + 0.2 (high) mg/dose, five times/week. The doses were selected considering the most recent recommendations for transgender woman. Sperm count, histopathological analysis (testis, liver, thyroid), testosterone, estradiol, triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone serum levels and gene expression of sex dimorphic CYP450 were evaluated.

RESULTS

The doses induced feminizing-demasculinizing effects: decreased testosterone serum levels at the corresponding cisgender, increased estradiol, impairment of male reproductive function and reversal of sex-specific CYP liver expression. However, the medium and high doses induced marked liver toxicity and the low dose is considered the best choice, also for long-term studies in risk assessment. The alterations of thyroid indicated follicular cell hypertrophy supported by increased thyroid-stimulating hormone serum levels at the higher doses.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of animal models that mimic the effects of gender affirming hormone therapy is essential for supporting clinical studies in transgender people and filling data gap in order to ensure an appropriate risk assessment and a more accurate, personalized care for transgender people.

Insights Into the Cardiomodulatory Effects of Sex Hormones: Implications in Transgender Care

Transgender individuals that undergo gender-affirming hormone therapy may experience discrimination in the health care setting with a lack of access to medical personnel competent in transgender medicine. Recent evidence suggests that gender-affirming hormone therapy is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular risk factors. A recent statement from the American Heart Association reinforces the importance of cardiovascular-focused clinical management and the necessity for more research into the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy. With this in mind, this review will highlight the known cardiovascular risk factors associated with gender-affirming hormone therapy and identify potential molecular mechanisms determined from the limited animal studies that explore the role of cross-sex steroids on cardiovascular risk. The lack of data in this understudied population requires future clinical and basic research studies to inform and educate clinicians and their transgender patient population to promote precision medicine for their care to improve their quality of life.

Low-dose spironolactone combats dyslipidemia and hepatic inflammation by modulating PCSK9 in rat model of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women and it is associated with overt metabolic derangement. Circulating lipids are regulated by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) which blocks low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors especially in the liver. The liver is highly vulnerable in dyslipidemia as lipid accumulation leads to progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). An array of scientific endeavours hold that low-dose spironolactone (LDS) is beneficial as intervention for PCOS traits, but this claim is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LDS on dyslipidemia and hepatic inflammation in rats with letrozole (LET)-induced PCOS and to assess the possible involvement of PCSK9 in these effects. Eighteen female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups. The control group received vehicle (distilled water; p.o.), LET-treated group received letrozole (1 mg/kg; p.o.), LET+LDS-treated group received LET plus LDS (0.25 mg/kg, p.o.) for 21 days. Exposure to LET increased body and hepatic weights, plasma and hepatic total cholesterol (TC), TC/HDL, LDL, interleukin-6, MDA, PCSK9, ovarian degenerated follicles and hepatic NLRP3 intensity, reduced GSH and normal ovarian follicles. Interestingly, LDS averted dyslipidemia, NLRP3-dependent hepatic inflammation and ovarian PCOS traits. It is evident herein that LDS ameliorates PCOS traits and combats dyslipidemia and hepatic inflammation in PCOS by a PCSK9-dependent mechanism.

Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Perspectives on Transgender Athletes

Sex hormone concentrations, particularly testosterone, are primary determinants of sex-based differences in athletic and sports performance, and this relationship may inform fair competition and participation for athletes. This article describes the sex-based dichotomy in testosterone and the implications for sex-based differences in individual sports performance, including factors that relate to athletic performance for transgender individuals, and areas of future investigation.

Incidence of hypertension in young transgender people after a 5-year follow-up: association with gender-affirming hormonal therapy

In order to assess the risk of hypertension development, we performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical records of consecutive transgender patients who began gender-affirming hormonal therapy in our Outpatient Gender Identity Clinic with <30 years of age and had a follow-up >5 years. 149 transgender women treated with estradiol and 153 transgender men treated with testosterone were included; 129 of the transgender women received also androgen blockers (54 spironolactone, 49 cyproterone acetate and 26 LHRH agonists). The annual incidence of hypertension in young transgender men (1.18%) seemed comparable to that of the general population. In young transgender women, it seemed higher (2.14%); we found that the choice of androgen blocker had a remarkable effect, with a highly significant increase in patients treated with cyproterone acetate (4.90%) vs. the rest (0.80%); the adjusted hazard-ratio was 0.227 (p = 0.001). Correlation, logistic regression and mediation analyses were performed for the associations of the available clinical variables with the increase in systolic blood pressure and the onset of hypertension, but besides the use of cyproterone acetate, only the ponderal gain was found significant (Spearman's r: 0.361, p < 0.001); with a 36.7% mediation effect (31.2-42.3%). Cyproterone acetate has additional known risks, such as meningioma; although we cannot conclusively prove that it has a role in the development of hypertension, we conclude that the use of cyproterone acetate for this indication should be reconsidered.

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

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

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

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

Hormonothérapies de transition chez les personnes transgenres

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

Hormone Concentrations in Transgender Women Who Self-Prescribe Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Self-prescribed gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is common practice among transgender women, especially in resource-limited countries, yet the effectiveness of each GAHT regimen to achieve female range sex hormone concentrations is not known.

AIM

To describe the use and sex hormone concentrations of various GAHT regimens among transgender women who self prescribe in Thailand.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study in a community-based setting. Five hundred and 27 records of transgender women taking GAHT who were receiving care at a community health center between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020 were included for the analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Blood total testosterone and estradiol concentration after at least a 6-month period of GAHT.

RESULTS

Multiple GAHT regimens were identified including oral estradiol valerate (EV), transdermal 17β-estradiol gel, injectable EV with hydroxyprogesterone caproate, injectable estradiol benzoate with progesterone, oral EV with cyproterone acetate (CPA), and oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). The most common GAHT regimen used by 49.1% of the participants was OCPs that contained 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg of CPA. Only 25.2% of this group had female range testosterone concentrations (<50 ng/dL). Oral EV and CPA were used by 23.1% of the participants. Most of them used 12.5 mg of CPA and 47.7% of this group had female range testosterone concentrations. There was no statistical significance between mean testosterone concentrations in CPA 12.5 and 25 mg groups, (P = .086).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The inadequate sex hormone levels found in these commonly self-prescribed GAHT regimens provide information regarding the efficacy and safety of GAHT regimens for health care providers working with transgender women in a community-based setting.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This study reflected a real-world situation and provided hormonal profiles among transgender women taking self-prescribed GAHT. However, issues in recall, medical literacy, and adherence to the medication may limit the results.

CONCLUSION

Combined hormonal contraceptive pill was a commonly used GAHT regimen in Thai transgender women who self prescribe GAHT. However, this regimen was not effective to decrease testosterone concentrations to the recommended range of less than 50 ng/dL. Overall, self-prescription of GAHT does not appear to be effective in reaching target sex hormone concentrations. Including health care providers in the prescription and monitoring of GAHT may be a more effective approach in the delivery of GAHT. Salakphet T, Mattawanon N, Manojai N, et al. Hormone Concentrations in Transgender Women Who Self-Prescribe Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy: A Retrospective Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:864-871.

Gender affirming hormonal treatment in Danish transgender persons. A nationwide register-based study

BACKGROUND

Gender affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) is a cornerstone in transgender care. National data are sparse regarding use of hormonal treatment by transgender persons.

AIM

To assess use of GAHT in transgender persons.

DESIGN

National register-based cohort study in Danish transgender persons followed from 2000 until 2018. The main outcome measure was prescription and purchase of GAHT. Persons with ICD-10 diagnosis code of "gender identity disorder" (CGI-cohort) and persons with legal sex change but without diagnosis (CPR-cohort) were included. In the CGI-cohort, transgender women were defined by prescription of estrogen and/or cyproterone acetate and/or testosterone-5-alpha reductase inhibitors and transgender men were defined by prescription of testosterone after study inclusion. Discontinuation of GAHT was defined as no purchase of GAHT ≥ 13 months or shift from feminizing to masculinizing hormone treatment, or vice versa.

RESULTS

The cohort included 2789 transgender persons (n = 1717, CGI-cohort and n = 1072, CPR-cohort). The median age (interquartile range) at study inclusion was 26.1 (17.7) years for persons assigned male at birth (n = 1447) and 22.5 (10.5) years for persons assigned female at birth (n = 1342). In the CGI-cohort, the event rate for GAHT in transgender women increased from 4.0 (95% CI: [3.1; 5.2]) events per 100 person in year 2000-2005 to 20.6 [17.8; 23.7] between 2014 -2018. In transgender men, the event rate of GAHT increased from 4.2 [2.8; 6.2] to 18.8 [16.4; 21.6]. The rate of discontinuation of GAHT was 0.06 (95% CI 0.049; 0.071) per person year.

CONCLUSIONS

The event rate of GAHT increased during 2000-2018. Our data suggested high adherence to GAHT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Bone health in transgender people: a narrative review

Bone health in transmen and transwomen is an important issue that needs to be evaluated by clinicians. Prior to gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT), transwomen have lower bone mineral density (BMD) and a higher prevalence of osteopenia than cismen probably related to external factors, such as hypovitaminosis D and less physical activities. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in transgender youth may cause bone loss; however, the addition of GAHT restores or at least improves BMD in both transboys and transgirls. The maintenance or increase in BMD shown in short-term longitudinal studies emphasizes that GAHT does not have a negative effect on BMD in adult transwomen and transmen. Gonadectomy is not a risk factor if GAHT is taken correctly. The prevalence of fractures in the transgender population seems to be the same as in the general population but more studies are required on this aspect. To evaluate the risk of osteoporosis, it is mandatory to define the most appropriate reference group not only taking into consideration the medical aspects but also in respect of the selected gender identity of each person.