The effects of testosterone on transgender males on carotid intima-media thickness and serum inflammatory markers compared within patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

• Published in: Gynecological endocrinology Vol. 38; no. 9; pp. 771 - 775
• Main Authors: Balık, Ayşe Özlem, Vural, Fisun, Alpogan, Okşan, Özoğul, Murat, Dönmez, Emin Erhan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 02.09.2022
• Subjects: body mass index; carotid intima-media thickness; Hyperandrogenism; polycystic ovary syndrome; transgender persons; 体重指数; 变性人; 多囊卵巢综合征; 颈动脉内中膜厚度; 高雄激素血症
• ISSN: 0951-3590; 1473-0766
• DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2112942

Objective: To evaluate the effects of testosterone on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and serum inflammatory markers compared within transgender males (TGM-Former called female-to-male) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: The prospective observational study included 30 TGM, 30 patients with PCOS, and 30 healthy women. Groups were compared for CIMT and hematologic inflammatory markers white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV). Results: The CIMT of the TGM group was 0.48 ± 0.09 mm was significantly higher than PCOS (0.41 ± 0.09 mm, p = .005) and the control group (0.38 ± 0.7 mm, p = .001). The mean NLR, LMR, and MPV values were similar (p > .05). TGM had higher WBC levels compared to control women (p = .029). TGM had significantly lower PLR compared to PCOS and the control group (p = .001). CIMT were related to age (r = .390, p = .04) and body mass index (BMI) (r = .392, p = .03) in TGM. Conclusion: Increased CIMT in TGM individuals is not associated with inflammation; it seems to be a deleterious effect of exogenous testosterone exposure. Since increased CIMT may be a sign of serious cardiovascular problems developing in the future, it is suggested that it will be beneficial for these individuals should undergo clinical and radiological evaluation at regular intervals.