Short summary

The aim of this study is to investigate transgender women and non-binary persons before and during feminizing treatment.

Rationale

Transgender women are persons assigned male at birth, who identify as women. In transgender women, epidemiological studies reported increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and stroke during feminizing treatment, whereas long-term, prospective studies regarding feminizing treatment and risk of arterial cardiovascular disease are lacking.

The study will focus on:

• Cardiovascular status and lung function

• Body composition

• Mental health and quality of life

• Establish research biobank

The study will bring important knowledge about prospective health in transgender women during feminizing treatment.

If possible, risk factors for adverse physical and mental health during gender affirming hormonal treatment can be investigated.

Description of the cohort

The study includes persons assigned male at birth (+18 years) that either use or want to use estradiol treatment with the purpose of undergoing gender transformation.

Data and biological material

Study outcomes

• Medical history

• Physical examination

• Blood and urine samples

• Hair samples

• Computed Tomography (CT) cardiac scan

• Echocardiography

• Spirometry

• VO2 max

• Muscle function tests

• Dual X-ray absorptiometry (whole body, bone)

• Questionnaires

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital

• Louise Lehmann Christensen
• Marianne Skovsager Andersen

Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital

• Axel Diedrichsen

Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark

• Per Aagaard

Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium

• Guy T'Sjoen