TLDR Testosterone therapy in transgender men has both desired effects like increased muscle mass and potential health risks such as higher cardiovascular risk.
The document from April 1, 2017, reviews the effects and safety of testosterone therapy in transgender men. It outlines the desired effects such as increased facial and body hair, muscle mass, and deepened voice, as well as psychological benefits like reduced gender dysphoria and depression. However, it also notes undesired effects including acne, alopecia, and potential increases in cardiovascular risks. A prospective study of 53 transgender men found a 17% incidence of androgenetic alopecia after 1 year of treatment. Testosterone therapy led to cessation of menstruation in 86-97% of 138 transgender men within 6 months. It also affected reproductive organs and was associated with a lower incidence of breast cancer. While testosterone therapy appears safe in the short term, it can affect cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and potentially increase the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A Swedish study found similar mortality rates between transgender men who had hormone therapy and surgery and matched controls in the first 10 years, but increased mortality in transgender men after 10 years. The document emphasizes the need for more research, especially larger and longer prospective studies, to understand the long-term effects of testosterone therapy in transgender men.
251 citations,
October 2014 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The guidelines advise against using testosterone and DHEA in women for most conditions due to safety and effectiveness concerns, but suggest considering testosterone for postmenopausal women with low sexual desire.
204 citations,
May 2014 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Hormone therapy for trans individuals is effective and generally safe in the short term.
110 citations,
January 2014 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Testosterone treatment in trans men increases body and facial hair and may lead to hair loss over time, but severe skin issues are rare.
134 citations,
August 2012 in “The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry” Former finasteride users with persistent sexual side effects have higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts.
2295 citations,
August 2012 in “The international journal of transgenderism/International journal of transgenderism” The guidelines recommend informed consent for gender-affirming treatments and stress the importance of personalized, culturally sensitive care for transgender individuals.
185 citations,
March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Finasteride for hair loss can cause long-lasting sexual side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction.
105 citations,
June 2010 in “The journal of sexual medicine” Testosterone undecanoate increases lean mass and causes various physical changes in female-to-male transsexuals.
855 citations,
June 2009 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The guideline recommends mental health involvement in diagnosing gender identity disorder and outlines hormone and surgical treatment protocols, emphasizing safety, informed consent, and long-term monitoring.
176 citations,
August 2000 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Hormone treatments in transsexual individuals reduce hair growth and oil production in male-to-females and increase them in female-to-males.
1 citations,
October 2022 in “Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics” Gender-affirming therapy can cause skin issues like acne and hair loss in transgender adolescents, and more research is needed on its dermatological effects.
