Effects of Hormonal Treatment on Dermatological Outcome in Transgender People: A Multicentric Prospective Study (ENIGI)

November 2022 in “ Journal of Endocrinological Investigation ”

Carlotta Cocchetti, Giovanni Castellini, Mario Maggi, A. Romani, Linda Vignozzi, Yona Greenman, Martin den Heijer, Guy T’Sjoen, Alessandra D. Fisher

testosterone testosterone undecanoate testosterone esters alopecia acne anti-androgen estrogen sebum production hair removal hair loss hair growth skin oil hormonal treatment

TLDR Hormonal treatments can change hair and skin in transgender people, but may not fully achieve desired results.

The ENIGI study assessed the dermatological effects of gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) in 484 transgender individuals over 12 months. In AFAB individuals, testosterone treatments increased hair growth, acne, and alopecia, with testosterone undecanoate having the most significant impact on hair growth. Acne severity peaked at 6 months, especially with testosterone esters. In AMAB individuals, anti-androgen plus estrogen treatments decreased hair growth and sebum production, but many still required additional hair removal. The study highlighted the effectiveness of hormonal treatments in inducing desired dermatological changes, though not always sufficient for achieving the desired hair pattern. Limitations included subjective measures and lack of data on dermatological therapies.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research Hormonal Treatment Strategies Tailored to Non-Binary Transgender Individuals

50 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

Non-binary transgender individuals need personalized hormonal treatments for better well-being and quality of life.

research Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review

101 citations , January 2016 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Different types of hair loss need specific treatments, and while many classification systems exist, each has its flaws; more research is needed to refine these systems and treatments.

research Short- and Long-Term Clinical Skin Effects of Testosterone Treatment in Trans Men

110 citations , October 2013 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

Testosterone treatment in trans men increases body and facial hair and may lead to hair loss over time, but severe skin issues are rare.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

502 citations , February 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Treat significant hirsutism with medication and hair removal; use birth control pills first, adding antiandrogens if needed.

research Sexual Hormones in Human Skin

305 citations , February 2007 in “Hormone and metabolic research”

Human skin makes sexual hormones that affect hair growth, skin health, and healing; too much can cause acne and hair loss, while treatments can manage these conditions.

research Effects of Sex Steroid Deprivation and Administration on Hair Growth and Skin Sebum Production in Transsexual Males and Females

176 citations , August 2000 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Hormone treatments in transsexual individuals reduce hair growth and oil production in male-to-females and increase them in female-to-males.

research Prevalence of Male Pattern Hair Loss in 18–49 Year Old Men

50 citations , December 1998 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Hair loss is more common in men aged 18-49 and increases with age.

research The Control of Hair Growth: An Overview

62 citations , July 1993 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Hair growth is influenced by interactions between skin layers, growth factors, and hormones, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.

Similar Research

6 / 1000+ results

research Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy in Transgender Population

15 citations , September 2021 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology”

Hormone therapy increases the risk of heart-related issues in transgender women and may affect heart health in transgender men.

Prostate-Sparing Effects in Primates of the Potent Androgen 7α-Methyl-19-Nortestosterone: A Potential Alternative to Testosterone for Androgen Replacement and Male Contraception

research Prostate-Sparing Effects in Primates of the Potent Androgen 7α-Methyl-19-Nortestosterone: A Potential Alternative to Testosterone for Androgen Replacement and Male Contraception

14 citations , December 1998 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

MENT could be a better option than testosterone for male hormone therapy and birth control because it works well at lower doses and has fewer side effects on the prostate.

research Hormone Therapy for Transgender Patients

146 citations , December 2016 in “Translational Andrology and Urology”

Hormone therapy is essential for transgender individuals but requires careful management due to possible metabolic effects.

research The Use of Testosterone After Menopause

5 citations , June 2004 in “The Journal of The British Menopause Society”

Testosterone therapy can improve sexual satisfaction and mood in surgically menopausal women when used with estrogen, but its long-term safety and effects on naturally menopausal and premenopausal women are unclear.

research Testosterone Therapy for Transgender Men: Effects and Safety

162 citations , April 2016 in “The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology”

Testosterone therapy in transgender men has both desired effects like increased muscle mass and potential health risks such as higher cardiovascular risk.

research Dermatologic Care of the Transgender Patient

January 2016 in “Dermatology Online Journal”

Hormonal therapy changes skin and hair in transgender patients, who need better researched dermatologic care.