|
| References
- Heart,
circulation, and the effects of testosterone. |
7.
Asscheman H, Gooren LG, Eklund PE. Mortality
and morbidity in transsexual patients with cross-gender hormone
treatment. Metabolism: Clinical & Experimental Vol.38.(9.)
(pp.869.-873.), 1989;
Abstract: Sex steroid treatment is associated with side
effects. The number of deaths and morbidity cases in 425 transsexual
patients treated with cross-gender hormones were evaluated retrospectively
and compared with the expected number in a similar reference
group of the population. The number of deaths in male-to-female
transsexuals was five times the number expected, due to increased
numbers of suicide and death of unknown cause. Combined treatment
with estrogen and cyproterone acetate in 303 male-to-female
transsexuals was associated with a 45-fold increase of thromboembolic
events, hyperprolactinemia (400-fold), depressive mood changes
(15-fold), and transient elevation of liver enzymes. Androgen
treatment in 122 female-to-male transsexuals was associated
with weight increase > 10% (17.2%) and acne (12.3%). In both
groups persistent liver enzyme abnormalities could be attributed
to other causes than sex steroids (hepatitis B and alcohol abuse).
Much of the morbidity was minor and reversible with appropriate
treatment or temporary discontinuation of hormone treatment.
Thus, the dilemma of prescribing cross gender hormones in view
of the needs of these patients is not resolved. Explanation
of possible side effects and careful clinical judgment remain
the cornerstone of the clinical decision to prescribe cross-gender
hormones. Furthermore, follow up of this relatively young population
to disclose long-term side effects and to elucidate the association
of sex steroids with coronary heart disease, as well as efforts
to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events, are required.
Notes: It is giving the female hormone to men
which increases heart disease, rather than giving testosterone
to women.
|
| back
to reference list - heart |
| back
to reference library menu |
|
