Hormone therapy can alter proteins in transwomen’s blood, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Research in Nature Medicine reveals feminising Gender-Affirmative Hormone Therapy (GAHT) alters blood proteins in transgender women.
• The study identified 245 proteins changed in the CPA (cyproterone acetate) group and 91 proteins in the SpiroL (spironolactone) group after 6 months of GAHT.
• GAHT shifts protein profiles towards those of cisgender women, potentially impacting long-term health risks.
• The study highlights the need for more research and better healthcare for transgender individuals.

Detailed Insights:

• GAHT for transgender women involves estrogen and antiandrogens to align their bodies with their gender identity, impacting fat distribution, hair growth, and breast development.
• The research measured over 5,000 proteins in blood samples, attributing protein changes to decreased testosterone, increased body fat, and higher breast volume.
• CPA use may lower atherosclerosis risk, while both CPA and SpiroL might increase risks of asthma and autoimmune diseases, though clinical evidence is lacking.
• Experts emphasize the necessity of longitudinal studies to track long-term health effects and improve healthcare for transgender women, especially in regions with inconsistent access to GAHT.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Gender-Affirmative Hormone Therapy (GAHT): Hormone treatment to align physical characteristics with gender identity.
• Antiandrogens: Medications that block the effects of hormones like testosterone.
• Cisgender: Individuals whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth.