How Safe Is Hormone Therapy for Transgender Patients?

A large cohort study suggests that estrogen therapy increases risk for venous thromboembolism in male-to-female individuals.

Many transgender individuals request medical treatment — estrogen for male-to-female (MTF) and testosterone for female-to-male (FTM) individuals — so that their physical appearance is aligned with their gender identity. Using data from enrollees in three integrated health systems, U.S. investigators followed 2842 MTF and 2118 FTM adults for a mean of 4.0 and 3.6 years, respectively. Each transgender person was matched to 10 cisgender men and 10 cisgender women.

There was a significantly higher incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among all MTF enrollees than among cisgender men and cisgender women. In contrast, overall rates of ischemic strokes and myocardial infarction were similar among MTF enrollees and the comparison groups. Due to …

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

How Safe Is Hormone Therapy for Transgender Patients?

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Reviewing Author