Cardiometabolic Benefits and Risks for Transgender Youth with the Initiation of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy: a case series

Abstract

Background. Interventions for transgender youth include puberty suppression and gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). Studies have begun to show changes in cardiometabolic outcomes in adolescent transgender males (TGM) and females (TGF). We hypothesized that in TGM and TGF youth, GAHT would increase total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin resistance (IR) and adiposity, while decreasing HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Methods. We measured IR (oral glucose tolerance test), lipid profile and endothelial function (flow mediated vasodilation) prior to and following six months of GAHT in TGM (n=3) and TGF (n=2). Results. This case series shows attenuated endothelium-mediated vasodilation in TGM, but improved endothelium-mediated vasodilation in TGF. Our data also support earlier findings showing reduced HDL-C with GAHT in TGM. Two of three TGM showed increased while one TGF showed decreased IR following GAHT. Conclusion. These data indicate rapid, but divergent, changes in lipids and endothelial function in TG youth with GAHT.