Endocrinology of Transgender Medicine
October 2018
in “Endocrine Reviews”
TLDR Hormone treatments for transgender individuals generally improve mental health and physical transition, with some health risks that require medical supervision.
The 2018 document "Endocrinology of Transgender Medicine" provides a detailed review of hormone treatments for transgender individuals and their impacts on health. For transgender women, estrogen combined with androgen-lowering medications is recommended, with physical benefits but increased thromboembolism risk. Testosterone therapy for transgender men is considered safe for cardiovascular and oncological health in the short to mid-term, with long-term effects yet to be fully understood. Non-binary treatment should be personalized, and adolescents may benefit psychologically from pubertal suspension and sex steroids. Mental health issues like depression and anxiety often improve with hormone treatment, and regret after treatment is rare. The document also discusses hormone therapy specifics, such as preferred estrogen types, testosterone-lowering medications, and the importance of medical supervision to mitigate risks like cardiovascular issues and to ensure bone health. Fertility preservation should be discussed before starting treatment, and regular monitoring is advised. The document underscores the need for multidisciplinary care in transgender medicine.
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