Abstract
Most studies attempting to address the health care needs of the millions of transgender,
nonbinary, and/or gender-diverse (TNG) individuals rely on human subjects, overlooking
the benefits of translational research in animal models. Researchers have identified
many ways in which gonadal steroid hormones regulate neuronal gene expression, connectivity,
activity, and function across the brain to control behavior. However, these discoveries
primarily benefit cisgender populations. Research into the effects of exogenous hormones
such as estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone has a direct translational benefit
for TNG individuals on gender-affirming hormone therapies (GAHTs). Despite this potential,
endocrinological health care for TNG individuals remains largely unimproved. Here,
we outline important areas of translational research that could address the unique
health care needs of TNG individuals on GAHT. We highlight key biomedical questions
regarding GAHT that can be investigated using animal models. We discuss how contemporary
research fails to address the needs of GAHT users and identify equitable practices
for cisgender scientists engaging with this work. We conclude that if necessary and
important steps are taken to address these issues, translational research on GAHTs
will greatly benefit the health care outcomes of TNG people.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: July 18, 2022
Accepted:
July 6,
2022
Received in revised form:
June 20,
2022
Received:
March 15,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofFootnotes
KA, TGG, DRP, and SDS contributed equally to this work as joint first authors.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
