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Hormonal Regulation

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The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.

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Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Published on: January 10, 2025

Hormone Therapy: Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.

Janelle Marra¹

¹Department of Family Medicine - Edward Hébert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814.

|August 21, 2023

Summary

Gender-affirming hormone therapy is available for transgender and gender-diverse individuals, with specific criteria for adolescents and adults. This care includes puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and regular monitoring for safety and effectiveness.

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Psychiatry
Public Health

Background:

0.6% of US adults and 2% of high schoolers identify as transgender or gender diverse.
Gender-affirming care encompasses social, legal, and medical interventions, including hormone therapy.
Criteria for hormone therapy include persistent gender dysphoria/incongruence and legal consent capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the criteria and phases of gender-affirming hormone therapy for adolescent and adult patients.
To detail the medical treatments involved in feminizing and masculinizing hormone therapy.
To emphasize the importance of thorough evaluation, risk assessment, and regular monitoring for patients undergoing hormone therapy.

Main Methods:

Review of established criteria for initiating gender-affirming hormone therapy.
Description of phased treatment approaches for adolescents (pubertal suppression, hormone therapy).
Outline of hormone therapy components (estrogen, antiandrogen, testosterone) and risk assessment for adults.

Main Results:

Adolescent therapy involves pubertal suppression followed by feminizing or masculinizing hormones, typically initiated at age 16.
Adult therapy requires comprehensive evaluation for contraindications and risk factors.
Ongoing monitoring, including cancer screening based on individual risk, is crucial for all patients.

Conclusions:

Gender-affirming hormone therapy is a critical component of care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
Adherence to established criteria and phased treatment protocols ensures safe and effective care.
Regular monitoring and risk-based screening are essential for long-term patient well-being.