Associations Between Transition-Specific Stress Experience, Nocturnal Decline in Ambulatory Blood Pressure, and C-Reactive Protein Levels Among Transgender Men

The 2011 study with 65 transgender men found that transition-specific stress, particularly stress about being "out" as transgender, was significantly associated with a reduced nocturnal decline in ambulatory blood pressure (amBP), which is a marker of cardiovascular risk. This association was most pronounced in men who were less than 3 years on testosterone therapy. Additionally, stress related to "passing" as male was linked to higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), indicating increased inflammation, especially in men who were 0.5 to 3 years on testosterone. The study suggests that these stress experiences related to gender transition are linked to physiological changes that could impact cardiovascular health. Despite the small sample size and the study's cross-sectional nature, the findings highlight the importance of addressing transition-specific stressors for the well-being of transgender men.