Physical and sociodemographic features associated with quality of life among transgender women and men using gender-affirming hormone therapy

Abstract

Background: Gender dysphoria is defined as a feeling of distress resulting from the incongruence between the sex assigned at birth and the gender identity, lasting longer than 6 months. In individuals with gender dysphoria, gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) may improve quality of life (QoL). Objectives: We aimed to assess perceived QoL, to compare QoL scores between trans women and men and to identify possible contributing factors related to GAHT in a sample of transgender women and transgender men. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, transgender women and men were recruited by availability sampling from a national transgender health service. Individuals over 18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of gender dysphoria receiving medically prescribed GAHT for at least 6 months were consecutively included. Also included were trans men who had undergone mastectomy and trans women who had received breast augmentation surgery. Individuals who had undergone gender affirmation surgery (specifically genital surgery) or with uncontrolled clinical/psychiatric conditions at the time of the initial assessment were excluded. Sociodemographic, physical, and hormone data were collected from all participants. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to evaluate QoL. A total of 135 transgender individuals were invited. Seventeen individuals with previous genital surgery (12.6%) and five who refused to participate (3.7%) were excluded. Therefore, 113 patients were enrolled and completed the study (60 trans women and 53 trans men). Results: QoL scores did not differ between trans women and trans men. In trans women, greater breast development and stable relationships, and higher body mass index were associated with higher QoL domain scores. In trans men, higher domain scores were found in individuals in a stable relationship, with increased body hair, engaging in physical activity, and being employed. Conclusion: Data from this study suggest that GAHT-related physical characteristics, such as breast development in trans women and increased body hair in trans men, are similar between groups, are associated with higher QoL scores, and that sociodemographic parameters may impact these associations. Healthcare providers might consider these factors when planning interventions to improve QoL in transgender individuals.