The daily dose of testosterone-replacement therapy dependence from the body mass index in FtM transgender PATIENTS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The basis for the management of transgender patients is the use of various hormonal correction schemes necessary for changing the hormonal sex and, possibly, further preparation for surgical correction. Currently, the choice of the starting dose and the scheme is carried out empirically, which lengthens the period of selection of therapy and increases the risk of its complications. Taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient can help in optimizing therapy.AIM: Investigate Factors Affecting the Daily Demand for Testosterone Ester Blends in Transgender MenMATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a case-control observational study. Patients included prior to initiation of testosterone replacement therapy. The analysis of factors interrelated with the daily requirement of testosterone preparations was carried out. Among the factors of interest, the body mass index (BMI), the results of blood tests for total testosterone and the functional state of the liver and kidneys are considered. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) regimens were evaluated in transgender men. For the calculation, we used the formulas for BMI and the average daily dose of testosterone. Based on the data obtained, conclusions were drawn that allow determining the necessary TRT scheme in different trans-gender men at an early stage of hormonal correction.RESULTS: Our study included 58 transgender FtM patients who were prescribed testosterone preparations with an identical composition. We found a positive correlation between BMI and testosterone dose in patients of group II (p = 0.04).CONCLUSION: In the conclusion, the obtained schemes of hormonal sex reassignment with a minimum risk of possible complications are presented. Our results demonstrated a relationship between BMI in overweight and obese patients and the need for TRT. For patients with a BMI of 25 to 29 kg / m2, the interval between injections of a mixture of testosterone esters does not differ significantly from that in the group with a BMI below 25 kg / m2 and averages once every 18 days, and in the group with a BMI ≥ 30 kg / m2 tested testosterone ester preparations should be prescribed once every 2 weeks (14 days).