The Impact of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy on Physical Performance

Abstract

Context: The inclusion of transgender people in elite sport has been a topic of debate. This narrative review examines the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on physical performance, muscle strength, and markers of endurance. Evidence Acquisition: MEDLINE and Embase were searched using terms to define the population (transgender), intervention (GAHT), and physical performance outcomes. Evidence Synthesis: Existing literature comprises cross-sectional or small uncontrolled longitudinal studies of short duration. In nonathletic trans men starting testosterone therapy, within 1 year, muscle mass and strength increased and, by 3 years, physical performance (push-ups, sit-ups, run ..