Shaping the Skeleton: Impact of GnRH Analogue and Sex Hormone Therapy on Skeletal Dimensions in Transgender Individuals
Authors' conclusion
The study results suggest that skeletal dimensions are only altered by GAHT if endogenous puberty has not yet been completed at start of PS. These findings enhance our understanding of hormonal effects on the skeleton and may hold clinical relevance for body image as well as for forensic anthropology. Future research should evaluate clinical implications for surgical or obstetrical outcomes in transgender individuals.
Study context
- Population
- Transgender individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) and assigned female at birth (AFAB) with DXA scanning between ages 18 and 28 years, gender identity clinic121 AMAB, 122 AFAB
- Exposure
- Early puberty suppression (PS) + gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), Late PS + GAHT, GAHT-only vs untreated
- Outcome
- Shoulder and pelvis dimensions measured by DXA, adjusted for height
Methodological detailssingle gender identity clinic, height-adjusted comparisons
- Single gender identity clinic
- Height-adjusted comparisons
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Early PS + GAHT vs UntreatedDifference, cm (95% CI)
Shoulder width, AMAB; smaller with Early PS
−1.3(−2.1 to −0.5)
Pelvic inlet width, AFAB; smaller with Early PS
−1.0(−1.5 to −0.6)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Shaping the Skeleton: Impact of GnRH Analogue and Sex Hormone Therapy on Skeletal Dimensions in Transgender Individuals. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published 16 August 2024. doi:10.
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