Effects of Hormonal Treatment on Dermatological Outcome in Transgender People: A Multicentric Prospective Study (ENIGI)

November 2022 in “ Journal of Endocrinological Investigation ”

Carlotta Cocchetti, Giovanni Castellini, Mario Maggi, A. Romani, Linda Vignozzi, Yona Greenman, Martin den Heijer, Guy T’Sjoen, Alessandra D. Fisher

testosterone testosterone undecanoate testosterone esters alopecia acne anti-androgen estrogen sebum production hair removal hair loss hair growth skin oil hormonal treatment

Studysummary In this study, gender-affirming hormonal treatment was associated with increased hair growth, acne, and alopecia prevalence in transgender individuals assigned female at birth, while opposite dermatological changes were observed in those assigned male at birth.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The ENIGI study assessed the dermatological effects of gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) in 484 transgender individuals over 12 months. In AFAB individuals, testosterone treatments increased hair growth, acne, and alopecia, with testosterone undecanoate having the most significant impact on hair growth. Acne severity peaked at 6 months, especially with testosterone esters. In AMAB individuals, anti-androgen plus estrogen treatments decreased hair growth and sebum production, but many still required additional hair removal. The study highlighted the effectiveness of hormonal treatments in inducing desired dermatological changes, though not always sufficient for achieving the desired hair pattern. Limitations included subjective measures and lack of data on dermatological therapies.

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