Lipid status in transgender patients receiving cross-sex gonadal hormone therapy for 6 months

Abstract

Introduction: The term "transgender" refers to a person whose sex assigned at birth does not match their gender identity. Transsexualism can be diagnosed in all ages, although the first signs can be seen in early childhood. This condition is treated with cross-sex hormone therapy (CSHT) and surgical reconstructions with the goal of matching the physical sex with the one that the person identifies with. Aim: To study the effects of cross-sex hormone therapy with testosterone on anthropometric characteristics, lipid and hormone status in trans men (female to male (FtM) transgenders). Material and methods: The study includes 31 FtM patients with a gender identity disorder. The beginning of CSHT was at age 26.03 ± 5.21. Patients were treated at the Clinic of Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolic diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia. Lipid and hormone status before and during therapy were analyzed. Results: The BMI has increased significantly. Mean levels of HDL and Lp(a) were decreased significantly, and there was a significant decrease in ApoA1. There were no changes in other lipid levels. During six months of testosterone therapy levels of FSH, LH and estradiol showed a significant decrease, while testosterone has increased significantly. Higher values of RBC and hemoglobin were found. Conclusion: CSHT with testosterone do not lead to pathological alteration of lipid profile if dosed properly.

Keywords

• transsexualism
• hormone therapy
• lipid status
• testosterone