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Exogenous estrogen effect on lipid /lipoprotein cholesterol in transsexual males

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Abstract

Lipid/lipoprotein cholesterol values and sex-hormone-binding globulin levels were determined in 40 transsexual males aged 20–38, 20 castrated and 20 non-castrated, taking conjugated estrogens to induce female characteristics. Variables controlled included dose of estrogen, age, weight, smoking, alcohol intake, exercise and diet history. Transsexual males on estrogens had significantly higher mean (± SE) HDL cholesterol levels (69.0 ± 7.1 mg/dl) respectively, for castrated males and (53.8 ± 6.2 mg/dl) for non-castrated males, respectively compared to normal control males not on hormonal therapy (41.5 ± 5.4) (p < 0.001), regardless of dose of estrogen received. The total cholesterol/HDL ratio was 3.31–4.05 in transsexual males on estrogens compared to 5.03 for normal males (p < 0.001). Transsexual males had mean SHBG levels in the female range (63.4 to 71.8 nmol/ml), significantly higher than controls (26.7 nmol/ml) (p < 0.001). SHBG levels were correlated with estrogen use, dose and HDL cholesterol levels. We conclude that exogenous estrogens administered to transsexual males results in a female pattern of lipid/lipoprotein cholesterol and SHBG concentration. The decreased total cholesterol/HDL ratio may imply a lower atherogenic potential and a lessened cardiovascular risk in males who take estrogens.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA

    M. D. Damewood, J. J. Bellantoni & J. A. Rock

  2. Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA

    P. S. Bachorik

  3. Department of Biostatistics, the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA

    A. W. Kimball Jr.

Authors
  1. M. D. Damewood
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  2. J. J. Bellantoni
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  3. P. S. Bachorik
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  4. A. W. Kimball Jr.
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  5. J. A. Rock
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Damewood, M.D., Bellantoni, J.J., Bachorik, P.S. et al. Exogenous estrogen effect on lipid /lipoprotein cholesterol in transsexual males. J Endocrinol Invest 12, 449–454 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03350728

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03350728

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