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Lipoprotein subtypes after testosterone therapy in transmasculine adolescents

Millington K, Chan YM

Journal of clinical lipidology, 2021

33 participants

Abstract

Differences in lipoprotein-particle subclasses between men and women start in puberty and narrow after menopause, suggesting a role for sex steroids. In this cross-sectional cohort study, we examined lipoprotein subtype profiles in transmasculine adolescents treated with testosterone. Transmasculine adolescents (n = 17) had lipoprotein profiles that were similar to those of cisgender males (n = 33) and more atherogenic than those of cisgender females (n = 32), with higher concentrations of small low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles (435 ± 222 nmol/L vs. 244 ± 163 nmol/L, p = 0.008) and lower concentrations of large high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles (1.5 ± 1.3 μmol/L vs 2.7 ± 1.2 μmol/L, p = 0.003) when compared to cisgender females. Thus, testosterone appears to be a major contributor to differences in lipoprotein profiles, a surrogate for cardiovascular disease risk, between cisgender women and both transgender and cisgender men.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 33 participants or records.

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