Hormone Therapy for Transgender Patients
December 2016
in “
Translational Andrology and Urology
”
TLDR Hormone therapy is essential for transgender individuals but requires careful management due to possible metabolic effects.
The 2016 document reviews hormone therapy for transgender individuals, detailing the use of testosterone for transgender men and estrogen and anti-androgens for transgender women, along with the physical and psychological effects of these treatments. It emphasizes the importance of health monitoring, including bone and cardiovascular health, and notes that while hormone therapy improves quality of life and reduces stress and cortisol levels, as shown in a study of 70 transgender patients, there is a need for more research on long-term adverse effects. The document also highlights the necessity of appropriate laboratory reference ranges for transgender patients and the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach for adolescents. It concludes that hormone therapy is crucial for transgender individuals but must be managed carefully due to potential metabolic implications.