How does gender-affirming hormone therapy affect QOL in transgender patients?

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Psychiatry
• Transgender Health

Background:

• Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a critical component of medical care for transgender individuals.
• Understanding the psychological and quality of life impacts of GAHT is essential for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of GAHT on mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and quality of life.
• To assess the impact of GAHT on gender dysphoria and suicidality in transgender populations.

Main Methods:

• Review of low-quality prospective cohort studies with inconsistent results.
• Analysis of standardized scores for quality of life, depression, and anxiety.
• Assessment of reported gender dysphoria and suicidality.

Main Results:

• GAHT is associated with modest improvements in quality of life and depression scores for transgender adults.
• Transgender adolescents receiving GAHT show modest improvements in depression scores.
• The effect of GAHT on anxiety remains uncertain, with inconsistent results.
• GAHT is linked to reduced gender dysphoria and decreased suicidality.
• No studies indicated worsened quality of life, depression, or anxiety with GAHT.

Conclusions:

• GAHT offers modest benefits for depression and quality of life in transgender individuals across age groups.
• While anxiety effects are unclear, GAHT appears to positively impact gender dysphoria and reduce suicidality.
• Further high-quality research is needed to clarify the impact on anxiety and suicide completion.