Clinical Research Directory

The Effect of Gender-affirmative Measures on Breast Perception in Trans Men

Breast dysphoria in transmasculine or genderdiverse individuals is a distinct psychological burden associated with depression, anxiety and suicidality. The aim is to systematically investigate the effect of GAHT (gender-affirming hormone therapy) and mastectomy on this form of dysphoria. The primary objective of this study is to analyse and investigate the psychological and physical effects of breast development on trans men or genderdiverse individuals. A secondary objective is to determine the extent to which the stress affects the well-being of trans men depending on the coping strategies used (binding vs. taping).

Puberty, Testosterone, and Brain Development

Transmasculine youth (female sex assigned at birth, male gender identity) who begin clinical gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) with testosterone (T) may experience changes in headache. Researchers think this because studies published on effects of giving testosterone to cisgender females (female sex, female gender identity) and transmasculine adults seem to show an effect on pain. This research will help us learn more about changes in headache and in brain structure and function in transmasculine youth during the first two years of T. Youth who will be starting T within 6 months, either on puberty blocker or not, as part of their regular medical care can participate and will be asked to attend 4 visits: * before starting T * after 6 months on T * after 1 year on T * after 2 years on T At the visits, they will be asked to: * answer questions and surveys about their health * have a brain MRI done * give a small sample of blood and at their first visit, complete a physical exam. Some participants can also do a brief test of pain sensitivity. All participants will be asked to complete a headache diary for the first 6 months, for 1 month after the 1 year visit, and for 1 month after the 2 year visit.