New Insights Into Extended Steroid Hormone Profiles in Transwomen in a Multi-Center Setting in Germany

Little information is available on steroid hormone profiles in transwomen on the day of gender affirming surgery (GAS) after gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT).

We compared extended serum steroid hormone profiles of 77 transwomen with 3 different treatment regimens in order to get more insight on how GAHT changes the hormone system.

Samples were obtained from 3 independent clinics. Individuals in clinic A (n = 13) and B (n = 51) discontinued GAHT 4-6 weeks and 2 weeks before GAS, individuals in clinic C (n = 13) continued treatment. Testicular tissue, blood samples and questionnaires on age, weight, height, and medication use were received from each patient. Steroid hormones were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), 6 sex hormones were determined by immunofluorometric assays, and ELISA. Spermatogenesis was scored using the Bergman/Kliesch score.

Participants were not different with regard to age, BMI, treatment duration, and dosage. Feminized blood serum levels with low LH, low FSH and low testosterone, however, were achieved in persons taking GAHT until GAS. Significantly reduced cortisone levels were seen after stopping GAHT before GAS.

GAHT had marked effects on the sex-steroid profile in each person. Factor analysis provided a model explaining 78% of the variance and interdependency of sex steroid levels. Stopping treatment was inversely associated with intactness of the corticosteroid-axis with adrenal steroidogenesis as well as it was inversely associated with pituitary-gonadal hormone production.

Transwomen generally did not have elevated cortisone levels but differed significantly depending on and when GAHT was stopped.

This is the first study examining the steroid hormone profiles of transgender persons on the day of GAS in a multi-center setting. Additional studies (including follow ups before and after GAS and stress questionnaires) will be necessary to assess these conflicting results about the possible psychological impact on persons undergoing GAS to improve care.

Concerning feminized blood serum levels, continued GAHT seems the better alternative, however stopping treatment 4-6 weeks prior to surgery was associated with reduced cortisone levels. Schneider F, Wistuba J, Holterhus P-M, et al. New Insights Into Extended Steroid Hormone Profiles in Transwomen in a Multi-Center Setting in Germany. J Sex Med 2021;18:1807-1817.