Gender-affirming testosterone therapy reduces gender dysphoria, depression and suicidality in trans adults seeking masculinisation, the ENDO 23 annual meeting in Chicago was told.

Melbourne endocrinologist Dr Brendan Nolan presented the results of a three-month open-label randomised controlled trial of 64 trans adults comparing immediate testosterone commencement with no treatment on a standard care wait list.

The study found the primary outcome of gender dysphoria at three months, measured by the Gender Preoccupation and Stability Questionnaire (GPSQ), was significantly decreased in the immediate intervention group compared to the waitlisted group ([mean difference -7.2 points (95% CI (-8.3, -6.1), p<0.001).

In secondary outcomes, there was also a clinically significant decrease in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression (mean difference -5.6 points (-6.8, -4.4), p<0.001).

There was a significant decrease in the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale between groups at three months (mean difference -6.5 points, p<0.001] and as well, resolution of suicidality assessed by PHQ-9 item 9 occurred in half (52%) the individuals with immediate testosterone commencement compared to 5% in the waitlisted group (p=0.002).

“This randomised controlled trial supports the use of testosterone therapy to significantly reduce gender dysphoria, depression, and suicidality in trans and gender diverse individuals desiring testosterone therapy,” the study concluded.

Dr Brendan Nolan, from Austin Health, is currently undertaking a PhD through the University of Melbourne. Other investigators on the study were Associate Professor Ada Cheung, Dr Sav Zwickl and Professor Jeffrey Zajac.

Thank you to the @TheEndoSociety for the opportunity to present research findings showing #testosterone improves #gender dysphoria and mental health in #trans individuals @DrAdaCheungAU @SavZwickl https://t.co/XKx2VoR8eh

— Brendan Nolan (@DrBrendanNolan1) June 18, 2023