Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: Hormonal treatment in trans women (MtF transgender persons) in Europe usually consists of estrogens and anti-androgens, e.g. cyproterone acetate (CPA). After initiation of cross-sex hormone therapy, an elevation in serum prolactin levels is frequently observed in trans women, which was previously attributed to estrogen agents. This analysis evaluates whether CPA contributes to the elevation of prolactin in trans women receiving cross-sex hormones.<p class="abste...

Background: In male to female transgender patients breast development is a key part in the process of feminization using cross sex hormone therapy. In the Endocrine Society’s clinical guideline ‘Endocrine treatment of transsexual persons’ the onset of breast growth is estimated as 3–6 months after starting cross sex hormone treatment. The maximum breast growth however is seen after 2–3 years. But how much growth, in centimeters or cup-sizes, we can exp...

Background: Sex steroids probably stimulate growth-hormone secretion during puberty, which in turn contributes to the development of gender specific body characteristics. Hypothetically, adequate growth hormone levels in transgender persons are also important to achieve the best therapeutic results. The influence of cross-sex hormone treatment (CHT) at growth-hormone production in adult transgender persons is not yet elucidated.Objective: To investigate ...

Introduction: Gender dysphoria refers to the incongruence between the subject’s experienced sex on the one hand and the assigned sex on the other hand. Several studies assume a relationship between oestrogen substitution therapy and serum prolactin levels.Aim: The aim of this study is to get more insight into the effect and time-course of changes in serum prolactin levels during cross-sex hormone therapy.Methods: This prospect...

Background: Several resting state networks have been described in literature. Today, it is still unclear whether these networks are stable or can be influenced by sex hormones. Transgender persons offer a unique opportunity to study these hormonal influences.Objective: To examine the effects of cross-sex hormone treatment in transgender persons on two resting state networks involved in cognition and emotion, the default mode network and executive network...

Background: Facial feminization or masculinization is particularly important in transpersons, both for self-image and social interaction. Females tend to have a smaller, rounder face, with more prominent cheeks and males tend to have a larger, more square face with frontal bossing. It is unknown whether cross-sex hormones can change these features. However, transgenders themselves often report facial changes due to hormone treatment. Therefore we aim to objectify if hormone tr...

Introduction: Testosterone is known to have an effect on hematocrit levels, with polycythemia as an unwanted side effect. An increase in hematocrit levels is also seen in transmen after starting cross-sex hormonal treatment (CHT) with testosterone. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cross-sex hormonal treatment with testosterone on hematocrit levels in the context of the safety aspects of this treatment. The prevalence, determinants and outcome of secondary ...

Introduction: Excess visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is strongly related to multiple cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia. Hormonal therapy (HT) in trans persons affects total body fat and body fat distribution, but the effect on VAT and its relation to changes in lipids is unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of one year HT on changes in VAT and its relation with changes in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides after one year of HT.</...

Background: Transpersons can receive gender affirming hormone therapy (HT) to induce physical changes. Little is known about the effect of HT on breast cancer (BC) risk.Objectives: To study the prevalence and characteristics of BC in transpersons with HT and to compare this prevalence with the general Dutch male and female population.Methods: Adult transpersons who were seen after 1991 and started HT in the VUmc were included. This...