To match an individual’s physical traits with their gender identification, testosterone-based masculinizing hormone treatment is employed. Although there is presently minimal research testing the use of 1% testosterone gel in gender-affirming hormone treatment regimens, standard testosterone dosages and formulations advised for hypogonadal cisgender males are generally provided. For a study, researchers sought to look at prescription patterns and serum total testosterone concentrations in trans and gender diverse people using a 1% testosterone gel. At a primary and secondary care clinic, a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of trans people was conducted. There were 67 people in the study who were given a 1% testosterone gel. The testosterone dosage and serum total testosterone concentration attained were the primary outcomes. The median age was 25 (22–30), and the average length of testosterone treatment was 12 (7–40) months. Nonbinary gender identification was identified by 35 people (52%). The average testosterone dosage was 25 mg (12.5–31.3) per day at first. About 52 men (78%) started on a daily dosage of 50 mg, which is the recommended beginning dose for hypogonadal cisgender males. The average total testosterone concentration (7.3–18.6) was 11.9 nmol/l. Polycythaemia (hematocrit>0.5) was found in eight of the 138 (6%) test findings, affecting six people.

Serum total testosterone concentrations in the cisgender male reference range are achieved with a 1% testosterone gel. A substantial number of participants had a nonbinary gender identification, and most started on a lower dosage than that given to hypogonadal cisgender males, possibly due to sluggish or ‘partial’ masculinization aspirations.

Reference:journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20420188221083512

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