A mini-review of the evidence for cerebrovascular changes following gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy and a call for increased focus on cerebrovascular transgender health

Wright, Melissa Emily ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2744-4504 and Murphy, Kevin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6516-313X 2023. A mini-review of the evidence for cerebrovascular changes following gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy and a call for increased focus on cerebrovascular transgender health. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 17 , 1303871. 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1303871

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Abstract

Gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (gaHRT) is an important step for many in the gender diverse community, associated with increased quality-of-life and lower self-reported scores of depression and anxiety. However, considering the interactions that the involved sex hormones have on vasculature (with oestrogen and testosterone demonstrating vasodilatory and vasoconstricting properties, respectively), it is important for transgender healthcare research to examine how the manipulation of these hormones interact with cerebrovascular structure and functioning. There is a stark lack of research in this area. This mini-review outlines the research suggesting a vascular impact of these sex hormones using evidence from a range of cohorts (e.g., menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome) and discusses the work that has been done into cerebrovascular changes following gaHRT. Finally, recommendations for future research into cerebrovascular health in transgender cohorts following gaHRT are outlined.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC)
Publisher:	Frontiers Media
ISSN:	1662-5161
Funders:	Wellcome Trust
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	23 November 2023
Date of Acceptance:	31 October 2023
Last Modified:	03 Jan 2024 15:05
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/164287

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