Testosterone Therapy Tied to Better Mental Health

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 13, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Testosterone therapy significantly decreases gender dysphoria, depression, and suicidality in transgender and gender-diverse individuals desiring testosterone therapy, according to a study published online Sept. 7 in JAMA Network Open.

Brendan J. Nolan, M.B.B.S., from Austin Health in Heidelberg, Australia, and colleagues assessed the effect of testosterone therapy versus no treatment on gender dysphoria, depression, and suicidality in transgender and gender-diverse adults seeking masculinization. The analysis included 64 transgender and gender-diverse adults.

The researchers found that during the three-month trial period, the intervention group had a decrease in gender dysphoria (mean difference, −7.2 points), a clinically significant decrease in depression (mean difference, −5.6 points on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), and a significant decrease in suicidality (mean difference score, −6.5 points on the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale). Among individuals with immediate testosterone commencement, resolution of suicidality assessed by PHQ-9 item 9 occurred in 52 percent of participants versus 5 percent with standard care.

"These findings have critical implications for service access and delivery to ensure timely access to gender-affirming hormone therapy," the authors write.

Two authors reported receiving products from Besins Healthcare for separate investigator-initiated clinical studies using estradiol and progesterone.

Abstract/Full Text