HEALTH OF TRANSGENDER WOMEN: GYNECOLOGICAL, HORMONAL, SEXUAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT

healthtransgenderwomenkapak

CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF HORMONE THERAPY IN TRANSGENDER WOMEN

Barış Çıplak

Malatya Training Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Malatya, Türkiye

Çıplak B. Cardiovascular Effects of Hormone Therapy in Transgender Women. Balsak D, Aksin Ş, eds. Health of Transgender Women: Gynecological, Hormonal, Sexual and Psychological Management. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.19-26.

ABSTRACT

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals seeking gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT). Gender dysphoria (GD) is a severe form of generalized anxiety that can emerge when a person’s gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. The administration of GAHT has been demonstrated to assist in the reduction of this anxiety by facilitating the exposure of secondary sexual traits associated with the individual’s confirmed gender. However, recent research has indicated a correlation between GAHT and an elevated risk of cardiovascular illnesses and other risk factors. Compared to cisgender individuals, transgender individuals demonstrate a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing a myocardial infarction and dying from cardiovascular disease. According to available research, transsexual women who take estrogen are more likely to get myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. It is necessary to inform this understudied and underserved transgender population about GAHT and the cardiovascular effects of this treatment, which they might be using for many years.

Keywords: Transgender persons; Gender-affirming care; Heart disease risk factors

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