Australian research clearly shows the early benefits of testosterone

Australian researchers conducted a well-designed, randomised controlled trial on the effects of testosterone by comparing a group of diverse adults who commenced testosterone early with a group that remained on the waiting list for treatment.To read the original paper click here.

Starting testosterone was associated with statistically and clinically significant decreases in gender dysphoria, depression and suicidality when compared to those not treated. The researchers also performed a secondary analysis of their data and confirmed that starting testosterone was also associated with a significant improvement in quality of life.

Testosterone treatment is a necessary component of care for some transgender and gender-diverse individuals who need to masculinise. Observational studies have reported improvements in gender dysphoria and mood with commencement of testosterone, but there is a lack of data from randomised clinical trials.

This trial significantly adds to our knowledge of the effects of testosterone on well-being and is a welcome, high quality addition to the evidence base for the effectiveness of gender affirming hormone therapy.

Reference: Nolan BJ, Zwickl S, Locke P, Zajac JD, Cheung AS. Early Access to Testosterone Therapy in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adults Seeking Masculinization: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(9):e2331919. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.31919

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Geek Out Contributor: Dr Stuart Aitken, GHA Sexual Health Physician