Effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy from adolescence to adulthood on cardiovascular function: a cross-sectional study
-
By
-
March 18, 2026
Objective:
To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of long-term gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) initiated during adolescence on heart function and related risk factors in transgender individuals, specifically focusing on those who began treatment in their teenage years.
Key Findings:
- Most cardiovascular parameters were within normal ranges; normal systolic function observed.
- Only one trans man exhibited grade 2 diastolic dysfunction.
- Significant reduction in aortic distensibility and strain compared to normal values, with increased aortic stiffness index in both groups.
- In trans men, reduced aortic distensibility was associated with increased systolic blood pressure.
Interpretation:
Long-term GAHT initiated during adolescence does not appear to cause significant cardiac complications regarding function or hypertrophy, but does affect aortic elasticity, which may have important clinical implications.
Limitations:
- Small sample size, particularly for trans women, limits generalizability and may affect the robustness of the findings.
- Cross-sectional design does not establish causality.
Conclusion:
While GAHT does not significantly impact cardiac function or hypertrophy, alterations in aortic elasticity warrant further investigation to understand their long-term clinical significance.
