Dataset Information

Physiological and Metabolic Characteristics of a Cohort of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth in the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe baseline physical and laboratory characteristics of participants in the largest prospective study of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth in the United States.

Methods

Participants were recruited from four clinics which specialize in the care of TGD youth before starting either GnRH analogs for pubertal suppression or gender-affirming hormone treatment. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements were abstracted from the medical chart. Baseline characteristics including height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and laboratory measurements were compared with those of age-matched National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey comparison group.

Results

Seventy-eight TGD youth with a median age of 11 years (range 8-14 years) were recruited before pubertal suppression, of whom 41 (53%) were designated male at birth, and 296 participants with a median age of 16 years (range 12-20 years) were recruited before beginning gender-affirming hormones, of whom 99 (33%) were designated male at birth. The mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in the study participants when compared with that of National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey participants (50.6 ± 12.3 mg/dL vs. 53.3 ± 13.3 mg/dL, p = .001). Otherwise, the study cohorts were similar in terms of body mass index, proportion of overweight and obesity, blood pressure, and baseline laboratory variables.

Conclusions

Before starting gender-affirming treatment, TGD youth are physiologically similar to the general population of children and adolescents in the United States, with the exception of slightly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Evaluation of this cohort over time will define the physiological effects of pubertal blockade and gender-affirming hormone treatment.

SUBMITTER: Millington K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7483238 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is among the most rapidly growing and expanding subfields in plastic surgery due to increased awareness, decreased stigma, rising demand, and improved access for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals (TGNC). In order to address potential barriers and facilitators in GAS education and training, there is a need to explore the experiences of TGNC individuals. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the factors that influence TGNC patient experiences in surgical consultation for GAS. Targeted recruitment was used to recruit and enroll participants who identified as TGNC and who had undergone consultation with a surgeon to discuss GAS. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore patient experiences with GAS. Recorded audio from these interviews was later transcribed verbatim. Open coding of these transcripts was then performed independently by 3 individual members of the research team using the consensual qualitative coding methods. Fifteen interviews were conducted (transmale, n = 7; transfemale, n = 4; gender non-conforming/non-binary, n = 4). Participants frequently expressed worry and frustration over insurance coverage and exorbitant out-of-pocket expense, whether actual or perceived. Logistical barriers were the most frequently cited category of barriers. The majority of participants made at least 1 reference to relying on others during the process of insurance pre-authorization. The majority of participants described their interactions with surgeons as positive, indicating that they felt comfortable during consultation and that their surgeons ensured their understanding. Our findings provide important insight into this often stressful and challenging process. Ensuring a welcoming, safe, and gender-affirming environment and experience for these individuals is essential. These findings may help to guide future education for medical students, trainees, clinic staff, and surgeons, as well as to direct changes necessary to improve the patient experience in clinics and hospitals for TGNC individuals undergoing consultation for GAS.