Prevalence of polycythaemia with different formulations of testosterone therapy in transmasculine individuals.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Masculinising hormone therapy with testosterone is used to align an individual's physical characteristics with their gender identity. Testosterone therapy is typically administered via intramuscular or transdermal routes and polycythaemia is the most common adverse event. AIMS: To compare the risk of polycythaemia with different formulations of testosterone therapy in transmasculine individuals. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was undertaken of transmasculine individuals at a primary and secondary care clinic in Melbourne, Australia. 180 individuals who were on testosterone therapy for >6 months were included. Groups included those receiving (1) intramuscular te..