Short summary

The term gender incongruence is used to describe individuals, whose gender identity differs from the assigned gender at birth. There is currently limited knowledge on all aspects regarding treatment of transgender persons and the number of individuals seeking medical help is markedly increasing. The combination of registry based studies, bio banking and prospective clinical cohorts in this project will allow the research team to assess treatment effect, different types of treatment and adherence to treatment, to review physical and mental health along with patient reported outcomes and establish transgender-specific biochemical and physical reference values in transgender persons. 

Rationale

The term gender incongruence is used to describe individuals, whose gender identity differs from the assigned gender at birth. 

Testosterone and estradiol have substantial effects on quality of life, cardiovascular health, body composition and bone mass. There is a national and international lack of knowledge on how gender affirming hormone treatment affects quality of life, cardiovascular health in relation to age at transition, preexisting cardiovascular risk factors and conditions and the dosage of hormones administered. 

Prospective observational study and biobank in all persons referred to Center of gender Identity Odense (CKIO)

We aim to examine;  

• Patient involvement and quality of life 

• Population characteristics regarding hormone levels, safety parameters and clinical outcome before and after gender affirming hormone treatment.

Description of the cohort

Inclusion criteria: all persons with gender incongruence referred to CKIO (+18 years)  

Exclusion criteria: none 

Recruitment: CKIO, Odense University Hospital

Data and biological material

Participants will undergo a standardized examination program including clinical examination, blood and urine samples and questionnaires. 

Data will collected using web based REDCap® and stored in collaboration with Open Patient data Exploratory Network affiliated with OUH.

Register data can be used to determine morbidity in the patient cohort.  

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital 

• Ass. professor Dorte Glintborg, DmSci(Primary Investigator), 
• Professor Marianne Skovsager Andersen, DmSci
• Psychologist Torben Bæk Klein
• Psychologist Tine Taulbjerg Kristensen 
• Consultant Louise Lehmann Christensen, PhD 
• Professor Jan Frystyk, DmSci 

Department of Gynecology, Odense University Hospital

Ass professor Pernille Ravn PhD