Research conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and the University of Melbourne has unveiled significant changes in blood proteins among transgender women undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy. This therapy not only aligns body proteins with a person’s gender identity but may also influence susceptibility to various health conditions.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, focused on 40 adult transgender women who received hormone therapy for six months. Researchers found that the blood protein profiles of these participants shifted notably, mirroring those of cisgender women. The findings indicate that sex-specific proteins, which are critical in determining health risks, were altered through the therapy.
Key Findings on Health Implications
Leading the research, Associate Professor Boris Novakovic highlighted that the therapy reduced biomarkers associated with male reproduction and fertility while increasing those linked to body fat, breast development, immune function, and cardiovascular health. “For transgender women, we found that gender-affirming hormone therapy alters the levels of many protein biomarkers that reflect what happens clinically,” Novakovic stated.
The analysis included over 5,000 blood proteins, with the changes compared to samples from a UK biobank comprising 55,000 people. The results demonstrated that seven out of ten key proteins typically distinct between males and females were significantly modified after undergoing hormone therapy.
This research suggests that the hormonal changes induced by gender-affirming therapy can reshape important blood markers, which may impact health risks differently. For instance, the therapy could potentially lower the risk of heart disease—more prevalent in males—while increasing the likelihood of allergic and autoimmune diseases, which typically affect more females.
Implications for Healthcare Practices
The findings underscore the need for refined long-term health monitoring for individuals undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy. Associate Professor Novakovic emphasized the importance of considering both the similarities to cisgender women’s health risks and the unique health aspects pertinent to transgender women.
Professor Ada Cheung from the University of Melbourne expressed optimism about the potential for personalized treatment approaches. “Studying proteins could help with the development of personalized treatment approaches by monitoring the effectiveness of gender-affirming hormone therapy in trans women,” Cheung noted. This could facilitate early detection of any adverse effects on heart health or immune function.
The research was supported by various esteemed organizations, including the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, and received funding through multiple grants, reflecting its significance in the field of transgender health.
The implications of this study are profound, not only for the future of gender-affirming treatments but also for enhancing the understanding of how individual biology can adapt to hormonal changes, even in adulthood.
The study represents a step forward in recognizing the complex interplay between gender identity and health, encouraging healthcare providers to adopt more tailored approaches for the well-being of transgender individuals.
