Long-Term Study of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Effects on Heart Function, Organ Fat, Insulin System, and Mental Health

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to observe the long-term effects of gender affirming hormone therapy GAHT on transgender men and women. The study focuses on how GAHT influences cardiovascular risk factors, insulin system function, body composition, metabolic measures, and psychological health after 2, 5, and 10 years of treatment. It seeks to fill gaps in knowledge about mid- to long-term impacts using advanced imaging and psychological assessments. Participants include transgender men and women who have received GAHT for the past 2 years and were part of a prior pilot study. Transgender women receive estrogen via gel or oral forms, sometimes with additional medications, while transgender men receive testosterone by injection or gel. The study does not alter hormone treatments but monitors patients at three time points after 2, 5, and 10 years of therapy. During each visit, participants undergo magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to measure heart, liver, and pancreatic fat, as well as cardiac function. They also complete blood tests including an oral glucose tolerance test, physical measurements, and fill out psychological questionnaires assessing mood and emotional control. This comprehensive monitoring helps researchers evaluate changes in heart health, metabolism, body fat distribution, and mental wellbeing over time.

Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Its Impact on Myocardial Mass and Cardiac Function, Heart, Liver and Pancreatic Fat Content