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25.01.2022 You are invited to Trans Pride in a Pandemic, a four-part online forum series for trans and gender diverse people and our allies. This series takes a look at what it means to be trans and living through a global health crisis. Developed in partnership by ACON and Trans Pride Australia with funding support by the City of Sydney, we will be diving into conversation with trans and cis experts across a range of topics. Kicking off this Thursday 10 September 6-7pm with Trans Resilience :: Coming out of COVID-19 and hosted by Liz Duck-Chong, panellists will be discussing how to stay strong, resilient and connected as we re-imagine a world we want to live and thrive in.

25.01.2022 As part of Trans Awareness Week we are delighted to be hosting a community discussion about Estradiol for trans women, trans feminine people and their allies. We hope to see you there!

23.01.2022 #GenderResearch into the nutritional outcomes in trans people. A recent review of scientific literature aimed to better understand nutrition intake and related health outcomes in the transgender community. After reading through 187 studies, researchers grouped these outcomes into intermediate (pre hormone therapy) and health outcomes after 5 years of hormone therapy. Whilst most of these studies used observational, case control and cohort methodologies, there were some clini...cal trials. For people on oestrogen therapy, the most common intermediate nutritional outcomes were bone density, blood glucose and body composition. For the same population five years later, the most common nutritional outcomes were cardiovascular disease and similar cardiovascular events. For people on testosterone therapy the most common nutritional outcomes before therapy were lipid levels, blood count, blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Five years later, them most common outcomes were similar to those on oestrogen therapy. Researchers mention that future guidelines for clinical practices should include adequate nutritional healthcare for trans people, including counselling, education and nutritional care. Researchers also stress the importance of nutritional care for all trans people. Published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN by Rozga et al., (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.08.011 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like the full article! (Image Description: A photo of market produce, including tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, chillis, garlic and capsicums) #trans #transgender #nutrition #health #transisbeautiful #transmen #transwoman #nonbinary

21.01.2022 The free DISCHARGED ONLINE WEEKLY 90 MIN peer support group is a space for people to talk about, vent, sit with, or make sense of suicidal experiences, distress or the desire to die, without fearing hospitalisation or the police being called. It’s FREE, there are no forms to fill out, they don’t ask for any of your personal details and they don’t record anything that is spoken about. Instead of trying to solve problems or provide you with answers, they deeply listen and ask c...urious questions without judgment. Facilitators are peers with lived experience of suicidal thoughts or feelings. The group is for people 18+ years old with personal experience of suicidal thoughts, feelings or actions (not carers or allies). There’s no minimum or maximum as to how many times a person can engage with the group. They use the ZOOM meeting app which is free to download for computer or smartphone. You can also call in like a normal phone call. As our groups start on time, they strongly encourage you to log in 5-10 minutes before it starts so that you can get all the tech working, and to ensure you understand how to participate in the group, how the group works and how it differs from other support groups. They keep the access codes of our trans and gender diverse group hidden off public pages to ensure it is safe for those who want to access it - please send them an email at [email protected] to join this group. They also have an email reminder sign-up form you can fill in and they will send you out an email on the day with all the details of the group you're interested in. If you sign-up for the trans/gender diverse group, then they will email you to confirm this is the community you identify with before releasing any of the group details as we keep them secret. Filling in the survey shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes and you can find it here: http://eepurl.com/g0sDzn (Image Description: A light grey image with text that reads "Free online peer support group for trans, gender diverse and gender questioning people to talk about suicidal thoughts, feelings and actions. 5pm-6:30 AWST Wednesdays (8pm-9:30pm AEDT). For zoom details email [email protected]. Three small tiles of the trans, nonbinary and rainbow flag sit at the bottom of the image.)

20.01.2022 #GenderResearch into anti androgens and feminisation. Members of our team recently reviewed the literature on which anti androgens were most effective at achieving feminisation. Literature on randomised control trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies and case control studies were examined. While there were no standardized studies available that examined breast development or reduction in facial hair in trans women, four eligible studies were found. Serum testost...erone levels were used as a measure to explore the levels of feminization due to the lack of clinically meaningful endpoints. Androcur, Provera and Lupron were found to be more effective at supressing serum testosterone levels than Spiractin. Due to Spiractin's mechanism of action, it is unclear if this results in significant differences in feminisation. The authors mention that there is still more research that needs to be done in this area. Published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology by Angus et al., (2020). https://doi.org/10.1111/CEN.14329 (Image Description: A person in a white lab coat holding up a multicoloured plastic molecular model) #trans #transgender #transwomen #transgirl #antiandrogens #hormonetherapy

20.01.2022 PAID ADVISORY BOARD OPPORTUNITY! As part of our aim to create robust research that represents the priorities of trans communities across Australia, we are establishing a Community Advisory Board to provide feedback to our research team and guide the direction of trans research. Online meetings will occur 2-3 times a year. Board members will receive a $100 gift voucher for each meeting they attend.... This is a community advisory board - you are not required to have previous research experience. We encourage first nations people, people of colour, people with disabilities, neurodiverse people and people from regional and remote areas across Australia to apply. For more information and to apply, go to: https://redcap.healthinformatics.unimelb.edu.au/surveys/ Applications close Midnight AEST Sunday 29 November 2020.

19.01.2022 #GenderResearch into laboratory results in trans patients A team of transgender, cisgender and non binary researchers from our group recently looked into how to best navigate gendered reference ranges in pathology tests. For blood tests measuring hormone levels, kidney function, and blood count, the gender range used should be that of the person's affirmed gender. Given the tests for electrolyte levels and liver function have no specific ranges, the reference range for the p...erson's affirmed gender should once again be used. Tests based on organ size (such as cardiac troponin) are not expected to have different results based on hormone therapy, and as such should use the person's gender presumed at birth. Patients should be warned of this to avoid triggering any unnecessary dysphoria. The treating clinician should request whichever reference range is needed, and a space for preffered name and pronouns used should be considered for future medical record systems. Published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism by Cheung et al., (2020). DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa546 (Image Description: Two clear measuring cylinders held in a blue plastic stand. The background is a blurred out lab bench.)

18.01.2022 Don't forget that this evening we are hosting a community conversation about Estradiol research and treatment! 6pm AEST - we are looking forward to seeing you all!

17.01.2022 WANT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS RESEARCH? JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY DISCUSSION TUESDAY 17TH NOV 6PM AEST. https://www.facebook.com/events/4853674208006016/ There is currently a lot of anecdotal evidence but a lack of research and data to support the use of higher doses of Estradiol. As a result, many Australian doctors are reluctant to provide trans women and trans feminine people and others assigned male at birth who are using Estradiol, with the higher doses they desire.... Help us prove that these higher doses work well by completing a survey exploring Estradiol concentrations, risk indicators and wellbeing outcomes. TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY: Participants must be living in Australia and over the age of 16. Step 1: For more info and to enrol go to www.bit.ly/transformau Step 2: If you indicate in the enrolment survey that you are currently using Estradiol you will automatically be emailed a link to the Estradiol survey. Step 3: Complete the Estradiol survey. All questions are optional, however, you will be asked to upload a digital copy of your most recent blood test. Your data will remain confidential at all times. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] Importantly, this is a trans-led project, with trans and gender diverse people involved in every step of the process - from deciding on every survey question through to data analysis and publication. For further info about our research go to the Trans Health Research Group website: https://www.transresearch.org.au/ This project is approved by Austin Health Ethics Committee and is also endorsed by ACON and Thorne Harbour Health. (Image description: A black and white photo of a young trans feminine person with the words "There is currently a lot of anecdotal evidence but a lack of research and data to support the use of higher doses of Estradiol. As a result, many Australian doctors are reluctant to provide trans women and trans feminine people with the higher doses they desire. Help us prove that these higher doses work well by completing a survey exploring Estradiol concentrations, risk indicators and wellbeing outcomes in trans women and trans feminine people". At the bottom of the image is the TRANSform logo and the logos of the endorsing organisations - Austin Health, Thorne Harbour Health, Trans Health Research, ACON and the University of Melbourne). #trans #transgender #genderdiverse #genderdiversity #nonbinary #transisbeautiful #genderresearch #transwomen #transfeminine #Estradiol See Less

16.01.2022 We know that it's an extremely challenging time at the moment. Whether you attended Part One or not, join Roz Bellamy and Thorne Harbour Health online for more creative tips and approaches to improving your mental health and wellbeing - Wednesday 19th August 6:30pm - 7:30pm.

16.01.2022 Applications for the Trans Health Research Community Advisory Group close Midnight AEST Sunday 29 November 2020! We encourage anyone with an interest in trans health to apply, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous people, people of colour, people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, neurodiverse people and those living in regional and remote areas across Australia. The board will meet 2-3 times a year on zoom, and participants will receive a $100 gift voucher for each meeting they attend.

15.01.2022 https://www.sbs.com.au//the-victorian-parliament-has-passe

15.01.2022 #GenderResearch into the effects of hormone therapy on depression and anxiety. From 2014 to 2018, 178 trans and gender diverse participants were asked to complete questionnaires to assess scoiodemographics, depression levels and anxiety levels. Participants completed these surveys before hormone therapy, and after 18 months on hormone therapy. Prior to hormone therapy, those presumed female at birth scored higher on anxiety and depression questionnaires. For pre hormone anxi...ety levels, 51% of participants scored high enough to indicate presence of an anxiety disorder, and for post hormone anxiety levels, 47% of participants scored high enough to indicate this. For pre hormone depression levels, 48% of participants scored high enough to indicate the presence of depression, and after 18 months of hormone therapy, only 26% of people scored high enough to indicate depression. Published in Andrology by Aldridge et al., (2020). DOI: 10.1111/andr.12884 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like the full article! Image Description: Three yellow plastic balls lined up diagonally against a white background. The first yellow ball has a sad emoticon drawn on, the second a happy emoticon, and the third an angry emoticon. #trans #transgender #transmen #transwomen #genderdiverse #nonbinary #hormonetherapy #GAHT #transisbeautiful

15.01.2022 #GenderResearch into Acne and Testosterone therapy Novel retrospective research explores the incidence of and factors associated with acne among trans people on testosterone. The study included data from 988 transgender patients who started testosterone therapy between 2014 and 2017. Acne was defined using the ICD-10 as a remarkable increase in oil production, causing an excess of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Testosterone levels, formulations and dosages were looked at..., as well as age, BMI and race/ethnicity. Out of these 988 patients, 245 were diagnosed with acne after the initiation of testosterone therapy, with 62 patients having already recieved a diagnosis before hormone therapy. The longer a person was on testosterone, the lower the chance of developing acne was. For the first six months, the chance of an acne diagnosis was 11.8%, with it falling to 8.2% at 7-12 months, and falling from there. The only factor found to be associated with acne development was age, with patients between 18 and 21 being most likely to develop acne. Researchers mention that the prevelance jumps from 6.3% in the general population to 31.1% after the initiation of testosterone therapy. Transgender patients undertaking testosterone therapy should be informed of this, and given the appropriate treatment if needed. Guidelines for the care of acne patients should also be trans inclusive. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Dermatology) by Thoreson et al., (2021). Email us at [email protected] if you'd like the full article! doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.5347 (Image Description: A computer generated diagram of skin, including a hair root, the three layers of skin, sweat glands and other associated structures.) #trans #transgender #transmen #nonbinary #transisbeautiful

14.01.2022 TRANSform is still open for enrolment! This is a trans-led project, with people like Clare (she/her) involved in every step of the process - from deciding on every survey question through to data analysis and publication. Are you interested in participating in TRANSform: An Australian Longitudinal Gender Health Project? Step 1: For more info and to enrol go to www.bit.ly/transformau... Step 2: Keep an eye on your email for surveys relevant to you, research updates, and your $5 gift voucher. We currently have two sub-surveys running as part of TRANSform: - Pain experiences (including pelvic pain) in trans men and trans masculine people using testosterone - The relationships between estradiol concentrations, risk indicators and wellbeing outcomes in trans women and trans feminine people For further info about the Trans Health Research Group go to https://www.transresearch.org.au/ TRANSform is approved by Austin Health Ethics Committee and is also endorsed by ACON and Thorne Harbour Health. (Image description: A photo of Clare(she/her), a trans woman with blonde hair and black galsses. The image also includes the Trans Health Research and TRANSform logos and reads 'Nothing about us without us: Trans research by trans people) #trans #transgender #genderdiverse #genderdiversity #nonbinary #transisbeautiful #genderresearch

13.01.2022 TRANSform is a trans-led, long-term research project. Trans and gender diverse people like Alex (he/him) are involved in every stage of the research. Are you interested in participating in TRANSform: An Australian Longitudinal Gender Health Project? Step 1: For more info and to enrol go to www.bit.ly/transformau... Step 2: Keep an eye on your email for surveys relevant to you, research updates, and your $5 gift voucher. We currently have two sub-surveys running as part of TRANSform: - Pain experiences (including pelvic pain) in trans men and trans masculine people using testosterone - The relationships between estradiol concentrations, risk indicators and wellbeing outcomes in trans women and trans feminine people For further info about the Trans Health Research Group go to https://www.transresearch.org.au/ TRANSform is approved by Austin Health Ethics Committee and is also endorsed by ACON and Thorne Harbour Health. (Image description: A photo of Alex (he/him), a young man with black hair, black glasses and a black leather jacket. The image also includes the Trans Health Research and TRANSform logos and reads 'Nothing about us without us: Trans research by trans people) #trans #transgender #genderdiverse #genderdiversity #nonbinary #transisbeautiful #genderresearch

12.01.2022 Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance on November 20 that honours the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. "Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence.... With so many seeking to erase transgender people - sometimes in the most brutal ways possible - it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continu...e to fight for justice." - Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith Support and information are always available: 1800RESPECT provides 24-hour support to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 or go to: https://www.1800respect.org.au/ QLife provides trans-inclusive phone/webchat counselling support 3pm-midnight everyday: https://qlife.org.au/ For some excellent trans-specific information about domestic violence, including how to recognise it, safety planning, legal options and helping a friend, go to TransHub: https://www.transhub.org.au/domestic-violence Lifeline provides 24 hour crisis and suicide prevention support: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Beyond Blue provides 24 hour mental health support: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ In an emergency call 000. Image Description: A lit candle against a black background. At the bottom of the image there is the Trans Health Research logo and the text 'Transgender Day of Rememberance".

11.01.2022 #GenderResearch into the health and well-being of transgender Australians Researchers from our team held an online survey looking into demographics, access to health resources & care, as well as priorities for healthcare spending. Out of 928 responses, 31% of these people were living in Victoria, closely followed by 21% in New South Wales and 16% in Queensland. 47% of participants held a tertiary qualification, but 19% reported being unemployed, and 33% reporting workplace ...discrimination due to their trans identity. 402 people reported being on feminising hormone therapy, with oral tablets being the most common (51%) form of estradiol, and sprironolactone being the most common (32%) anti-androgen. 509 participants mentioned taking masculinizing hormone therapy, with over half of them being on testosterone injections. 59% of participants mentioned difficulty accessing hormone therapy and 31% of these stated the pathway to access hormones was too difficult. Other reported issues were lack of prescribing doctors, followed by the price of both prescriptions and doctors. 84% of participants were seeing a GP, with 68% seeing a psychologist and 55% seeing a psychiatrist. Access to surgery was stated as a major challenge, due to the few practising surgeons in Australia, as well as the lack of public health services. Self reported anxiety and depression were reported in around 70% of participants. Researchers state that urgent action is required to address these health disparities to ensure that all trans people can live a safe and happy life. Published in LGBT Health by Bretherton et al., (2020). You can find the article at doi: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0178 (Image Description: A photo of a person resting their head against their hands. They are wearing black and white bomber jacket, and sitting against a colourful background) #trans #transgender #transisbeautiful #nonbinary #transwoman #transman #genderdiverse

10.01.2022 A couple weeks ago we held a community discussion event to talk about Estradiol doses and levels for people using feminising hormone therapy. It was lovely to see the community, trans researchers and clinicians come together to discuss personal experiences, community priorities and the importance of the research we are currently conducting. There were a number of key outcomes and discussion points from the evening: 1. People have vastly different experiences on different dos...es of estradiol. 2. There is little to no research to indicate optimal estradiol doses and levels in people using feminising hormone therapy. 3. Many Australian doctors stick to the cisgender female reference range, but we don’t know if this is correct or not - higher doses may be better, but we need science to show it. 4. This first-of-its-kind study was born out of a community forum led by ACON Health and a real scientific need to demonstrate the validity of different ways of using feminising hormones. 5. Even if the results are negative, this study may show that higher doses are valid, safe and being used in our community. If you would like to be involved in the TRANSform Longitudinal Research Project you can find more info at: www.bit.ly/transformau If you indicate in the enrolment survey that you are currently using Estradiol, you will automatically be emailed the 'Estradiol dose and wellbeing survey'. This survey closes 31 December 2020. Please do not hesitate to reach out for more info: [email protected]

09.01.2022 Eight peak Australian sporting bodies have unveiled guidelines for the inclusion for #transgender people in their sports. #trans https://www.abc.net.au//sporting-bodies-unveil-gu/12719706

08.01.2022 #GenderResearch on the links between autism spectrum disorder and gender...

08.01.2022 #GenderResearch into the Chinese demographics of medical transitioning. 1,304 transgender individuals from China were surveyed on their desire for and access to hormone therapy and gender affirming surgeries. 79% of participants said they wanted to be on hormone therapy. Out of this group, 602 people were currently undergoing hormone therapy. Proportionally, more trans women wanted hormone therapy than trans men. Only 8.9% of the group on hormones found hormones easy to acces...s. Over half (56%) of the participants stated that they would self medicate. In regards to surgery, 66% of the participants reported wanting surgery. Out of this 66%, only 19% had undergone any surgical procedure. Participants said that surgery was either financially inaccessible, or they would experience parental disapproval. This research signifies that more efficient transgender healthcare is needed. Published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine by Lie et al., (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.07.081 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like the full article! (Image Description: A topographical map of China and the surrounding countries) #trans #transgender #HRT #transwomen #transmen #nonbinary #transisbeautiful

07.01.2022 A massive thank you to everyone who attended last nights 'Lets talk about Estradiol' event! It was such a lovely experience to see the community, trans researchers and clinicians come together and talk about community experiences and priorities. For the sake of privacy, the event was not recorded, but given its success, we hope to do similar again in the near future! If you have any feedback about the event, our research or anything else, please reach out: [email protected] If you would like to be involved in the TRANSform Longitudinal Research Project you can find more info at: www.bit.ly/transformau

06.01.2022 We are still looking for participants for our survey exploring pain experiences (including pelvic pain) in trans men, trans masculine people, non-binary people and other people assigned female at birth using testosterone. Pain (and in particular pelvic pain) are very common experiences for people using testosterone, however, there is little research to help us understand what factors may underlie the pain and what treatment may help to alleviate pain. It is important that we... hear from people who do and do not experience pain, to gain insight into a variety of experiences and factors that may be causing pain. Help us find some answers! For more information and to participate in this study go to: www.bit.ly/transformau Step 1: Complete the TRANSform enrolment survey. If you indicate in the enrolment that you are using testosterone, you will be automatically emailed the Testosterone Survey. Step 2: Use the link you are emailed to complete the Testosterone Survey Step 3: Keep an eye on your email for research updates and future surveys TRANSform is a trans-led research project. For further info about the Trans Health Research Group go to https://www.transresearch.org.au/ This research project is approved by Austin Health Ethics Committee and is also endorsed by ACON and Thorne Harbour Health. (Image description: This advertisement features a back and white image of two young trans masculine people in conversation. In white print it reads: "Are you on low-dose testosterone? We want to hear about your experiences with Pelvic Pain! Survey open until 31 December 2020". On the lower half of the image are the logos for the organising and endorsing organisations: Austin Health, Thorne Harbour Health, Trans Health Research, ACON and the University of Melbourne). #trans #transgender #genderdiverse #genderdiversity #nonbinary #transisbeautiful #genderresearch #transmen #transmasculine

05.01.2022 #GenderResearch on bone density in trans people on puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Using DXA scans, researchers from the Netherlands looked into how puberty blockers and hormone therapies affected bone mineral density (BMD). A DXA scan was done before administration of puberty blockers, and then every year after for two years. The same was done before and every year after giving the participants gender affirming hormones. A blood test was done before the DXA scans to a...nalzye levels of bone formation markers. 51 trans girls and 70 trans boys were put on puberty blockers. Out of these, 36 trans girls 42 trans boys also received hormones on top of the blockers. In the two years of blockers, BMD of the lumbar spine did not change in trans girls or early pubertal trans boys. In late pubertal trans boys, there was a small decrease in BMD. In the femoral neck area, a decrease in BMD was shown in late pubertal trans girls and all trans boys. There was also a small decrease in early pubertal trans girls, but the data was not statistically significant. In regards to bone formation markers, there was a decrease in trans girls and early pubertal trans boys. After hormone therapy, an increase in lumbar spine BMD was found in all groups. Femoral neck BMD was also increased in trans girls and early pubertal boys once hormone therapy was administered. Published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism by Schagen et al., (2020). DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa604 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like the full article! (Image Description: An x-ray photo of the back of a person's knee) #trans #transgender #transmen #transwomen #bonedensity #hormonetherapy #pubertyblockers

05.01.2022 #GenderResearch into visual conformity with a person's affirmed gender and its effects on mental health. Researchers have examined the association of mental health with a person 'passing' as their affirmed gender. 620 trans and gender diverse people were surveyed on how they wanted their gender to be perceived, and how they thought their gender was perceived by others. Participants were deemed as passing when their results of how they thought were perceived were equal to or h...igher than how they wished to be perceived. Only 45% of trans women felt that others would see them as cisgender women, compared to 70% of trans men feeling they were perceived as cisgender men. Participants who felt that they were viewed as their affirmed gender were less likely to experience mental health distress. Trans people who had either chest surgery, gonadectomy or genital reconstruction surgery were also more likely to feel as if they were passing. The authors talk about the complexity of passing and conforming to a cis-normative binary, as well as mentioning that external pressures to blend in can affect mental health. Published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine by To et al., (2020). Email us at [email protected] if you'd like the full article! https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.07.019 (Image Description: A stack of white square beads with each bead containing a coloured letter to spell out "Transgender". Underneath is a row of white beads with coloured circles. The background is more of the same beads out of focus.) #trans #transgender #genderdiverse #genderdiversity #nonbinary #transisbeautiful

04.01.2022 We know that 2020 has been a tough year for many. Despite the challenges, together we have created some truly powerful research that we hope will contribute to positive change for our community. Trans Health Research Group 2020 Highlights: 1. Over 2000 trans community members from across Australia joined TRANSform: An Australian Longitudinal Gender Health Study in our inaugural year. Thank you to each and every one of you!... 2. 187 enthusiastic research participants attended a COVID-safe in-person study visit at THR offices at Austin Health VIC for our prospective studies to better understand gender-affirming hormones. 3. First research paper showing the feasibility and high satisfaction with the informed consent model of care for accessing gender-affirming hormones 4. Media interviews with: JOY FM The Gender Agenda on TRANSform https://podcasts.google.com//aHR0cDovL2pveS5vcmcuYXUvdGhlZ ABC News 24 on depression, suicide and poor access to health services during coronavirus pandemic. https://www.facebook.com/TransHealthResearch/videos/641188183453152 https://www.abc.net.au//suicide-and-depression-a/12743538 ABC News Regional on the new multidisciplinary gender clinics in VIC RTRFM on TRANSform 5. Shared our research at the virtual WPATH international conference 6. #GenderEducation talks with ProjectECHO, AusPATH education weekend, Royal North Shore Hospital NSW, Royal Darwin Hospital NT, Mercy Hospital for Women VIC, Eastern Health VIC, Western Health VIC, Austin Health VIC, MD Queer Podcast (Image Description: An infographic with blue words against a white background, covering the research highlight for the Trans Health Research Group in 2020). #trans #transgender #genderdiverse #genderdiversity #transisbeautiful #transwomen #nonbinary #transman

04.01.2022 President of AusPATH Dr Fiona Bisshop commenting on the concerning UK ruling on puberty blockers

03.01.2022 #GenderResearch into puberty blocker usage in trans youth A review of scientific litrature was recently done to present the current research on puberty blockers in trans and gender diverse adolesence. After excluding most articles found due to a lack of scientific validity, being off topic or being other literature reviews, researchers ended up with 9 papers to analyse. They found that those on puberty blockers who went on to have a mastectomy had better surgical outcomes, as... well as self reported positive changes in secondary sex characteristics, without the presence of sustained creatinine or LFT abnormalities. Increases in wellbeing and general functioning, combined with a decrease in depressove pr behavioural symptoms were also found. There was little evidence of adverse outcomes, but researchers did find that one paper reported a difference in body composition, with those presumed male at birth having an increased fat mass compared to their cisgender peers. Published in Child and Adolescent Mental Health by Rew et al., (2020). (Image Description: A group of four young people standing on a small hill, with a sunset and mountains in the background) #trans #transgender #genderdiverse #genderdiversity #transisbeautiful #transwomen #nonbinary #transman

03.01.2022 The 'Let's talk testosterone and pelvic pain' event was an excellent opportunity for discussion between community members and clinicians specialised in the field. The overarching message that can be taken from the seminar is that there are still many unknowns and research is essential to better understanding pelvic pain and treatment options. Here are some of the key points: 1. Pelvic pain’ (ie pain of the lower abdominal and genital areas) is common in people using testoste...rone. The exact cause of the pain remains unknown and may involve the uterus, bladder and/or pelvic floor muscles 2. Localised estrogen treatment may improve issues with vaginal lubrication and vaginal tearing that can result from testosterone use 3. Physiotherapy to help relax the pelvic floor muscles can be beneficial to some (as opposed to typical ‘pelvic floor exercises’ that strengthen and tighten those muscles) 4. More research is needed! Our study was developed through consultation with trans community members, endocrinologists, gynaecologists and physiotherapists who are experienced in trans healthcare 5. If you are using testosterone, join us! The survey closes on 31 Dec 2020 To take part in the survey: 1. Go to: www.bit.ly/transformau 2. If you indicate you are using testosterone in the enrolment you will be automatically emailed your copy of the Testosterone and Pain Survey 3. Complete the survey (all questions are optional) and then keep an eye out in your email for research updates and other surveys. This research is approved by Austin Health, ACON and Thorne Harbour Health ethics committees. We can be contacted at [email protected] For more info about the Trans Health Research Group go to: https://www.facebook.com/TransHealthResearch or https://www.transresearch.org.au/

02.01.2022 Pain experiences (including pelvic pain) are common in trans men and trans masculine people using testosterone, however, there is little research to help us understand what factors may underlie the pain and what treatment may help to alleviate pain. We invite men of trans experience, trans men, trans masculine folks, and those who were presumed female at birth but do not have a gender that is exclusively female and who are using testosterone, to participate in this study. Yo...u must also be over the age of 16 and currently living in Australia. It is important that we hear from people who do and do not experience pain, to gain insight into a variety of experiences and factors that may be causing pain. For more information and to participate in this study go to: www.bit.ly/transformau Step 1: Complete the TRANSform enrolment survey. If you indicate in the enrolment that you are using testosterone, you will automatically be emailed the Testosterone Survey. Step 2: Use the link you are emailed to complete the Testosterone Survey Step 3: Keep an eye on your email for research updates and future surveys TRANSform is a trans-led research project. For further info about the Trans Health Research Group go to https://www.transresearch.org.au/ This research project is approved by Austin Health Ethics Committee and is also endorsed by ACON and Thorne Harbour Health. (Image description: This advertisement features images of four trans men or trans masculine people of different ages and ethnicities. In the middle of the image is a banner that reads "TRANSform: Testosterone and Pain Study". On the lower half of the banner are the logos for the organising and endorsing organisations: Austin Health, Thorne Harbour Health, Trans Health Research, ACON and the University of Melbourne. In small print at the bottom of the image it reads "open until 31 December 2020" along with ethics approval numbers) #trans #transgender #genderdiverse #genderdiversity #nonbinary #transisbeautiful #genderresearch

02.01.2022 #GenderResearch into transgender uterus transplants. Researchers recently interviewed 182 trans women, and asked about their perceptions of and motivations for a uterus transplant. With the majority of particpants being 20-29 years old, 92% of people interviewed had no children, with 94% saying they would like children in the future. A large majority of participants mentioned that things such as falling pregnant (94%) and menstruation (88%) would help them feel more at ease w...ith their body. 90% of the participants also mentioned that having a transplanted uterus, as well as grafted vaginal tissue would improve their sex lives. Participants also mentioned that while parenting options such as surrogacy or adoption existed, they often felt discriminated against during these processes. Researchers mention that these results line up with the attitudes and motivations of cisgender women, with a 2016 study stating that 95% of UK participants would prefer a uterus tranplant over any other fertility options. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by Jones et al., (2021). Email us at [email protected] if you'd like a copy of the full article! doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.34561. (Image Description: A 3D generated anatomical image of a uterus, fallopian tubes and vagina against a light yellow background) #trans #transgender #transwomen #nonbinary #transfeminine #transisbeautiful #uterustransplant

01.01.2022 #GenderResearch into breast development of trans people on estrogen. A recent Dutch study looked into breast development in trans people being treated with estradiol valerate (both transdermal and oral) and cyproterone acetate. Using a VECTRA XT 3D scanner, researchers were able to look into breast volume as well as factors such as breast width, sternal notch to nipple distance and nipple to nipple distance. In terms of volume, the 69 participants available gained anywhere fr...om 72ml to 100ml of tissue volume, with the tissue spread evenly across the chest. 71% of participants sat at less than an A cup, 9% with an A cup, 16% with a B cup and 3% with a C cup, with only 1% of participants reaching higher than that. At the end of the study period, 58% of participants reported being satisfied with their breast size, with 92% of participants happy with symmetry and 83% satisfied with shape. After having hormone levels tested at 3, 12, 24 and 26 months, researchers were unable to find any hormonal factors that could explain the different increases in mean breast volume. This research also suggests that development of breast tissue could take longer than initially thought, due to development still being prevalent even in the third year. Published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism by de Blok et al., (2020). Email us at [email protected] if you'd like a copy of the article! (Image Description: A computer generated image of 3D grey rectangular shapes, each outlined with thin black lines.)