To investigate the impact of puberty suppression (PS) and gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on skeletal dimensions in transgender individuals, specifically focusing on shoulder and pelvic dimensions.
Key Findings:
AMAB individuals who underwent early PS had smaller shoulder dimensions compared to untreated AMAB individuals (−1.3 cm; 95% CI −2.1; −0.5).
Pelvic dimensions in AMAB individuals from both Early and Late PS groups were greater than those in untreated AMAB individuals, aligning more closely with untreated AFAB dimensions.
Early PS AFAB individuals had smaller pelvic inlet width compared to untreated AFAB individuals (−1.0 cm; 95% CI −1.5; −0.6).
Interpretation:
Skeletal dimensions are influenced by GAHT only if puberty has not been completed at the start of PS, highlighting the critical timing for hormonal interventions in transgender healthcare.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may limit causal inferences and introduce biases.
Sample size may not fully represent the broader transgender population.
Conclusion:
The study enhances understanding of hormonal effects on skeletal dimensions in transgender individuals, with significant clinical implications for body image, surgical outcomes, and overall transgender healthcare.
by Lidewij Sophia Boogers, Boukje Teatske Sikma, Mark-Bram Bouman, Adrianus Sarinus Paulus van Trotsenburg, Martin den Heijer, Chantal Maria Wiepjes, Sabine Elisabeth Hannema
