Gender Identity & Transgender Care (III)
Cheyenne C. Newsome, PharmD, BCACP and Jessica Conklin, PharmD, BCACP, CDE, AAHIV \u2014 passionate advocates for the role of pharmacists in the care of transgender persons \u2014 talk with us about the need for patient and provider education and about the benefits and risks of gender-affirming treatment.\nKey Lessons:\nGender-affirming therapy is highly effective, improving the quality of life in more than 80% of patients.\nHormonal therapy is the cornerstone of gender-affirming therapy.\xa0\nTestosterone is used for masculinization by trans-men.\xa0 It is traditionally given by intramuscular injection but subcutaneous injections are easier to administered and may have a smoother effect (e.g. lower peak effect).\xa0\nSide effects from testosterone are common including body and facial hair growth (you don't get to pick!), deepened voice (irreversible), clitoral enlargement, acne, menstrual irregularities, and weight gain from increased appetite.\nEstradiol (preferred estrogen) is used for feminization by trans-women. In addition, spironolactone is used in high doses for its anti-androgen effects.\xa0 Side effects are similar to those experienced by cisgender women.\nWhile trans-men often develop amenorrhea, pregnancy is still possible.\xa0 Frank discussions about the use of contraception, if sexually active, is important.\nA number of great resources are available to inform drug therapy decision making particularly the Endocrine Society Guidelines.\nPharmacists can uniquely contribute to optimizing the care of trans-men and -women.\nTo learn more,\xa0view and download the Show Notes!