Researchers studied heart health in 86 transgender and gender diverse adults taking hormone therapy. They found that overall heart health scores were similar regardless of whether participants were assigned male or female at birth. The biggest health challenges were the same ones most Americans face: poor diet, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise. Surprisingly, experiences of discrimination and stress didn’t seem to directly affect heart health scores in this group, though more research is needed to understand the long-term effects.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How healthy the hearts of transgender adults are, especially those taking gender-affirming hormones
  • Who participated: 86 transgender and gender diverse adults, average age 34, who were patients at hormone therapy clinics
  • Key finding: Heart health scores averaged 69.4 out of 100, with no major differences between those assigned male or female at birth
  • What it means for you: If you’re transgender, focus on the same heart-healthy basics as everyone else: better diet, healthy weight, and regular exercise

The Research Details

This was a snapshot study, meaning researchers looked at participants’ health at one point in time rather than following them over years. Scientists recruited transgender adults from hormone therapy clinics and used a standard heart health measurement tool called Life’s Essential 8, which scores eight important factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, and exercise. They also gave participants surveys about their experiences with discrimination and stress related to being transgender.

This approach allowed researchers to get a clear picture of current heart health in this understudied population and compare it to what we know about the general public.

The study used established, reliable measurement tools and was approved by a university review board. However, it only looked at one moment in time and included a relatively small group from one medical system.

What the Results Show

The average heart health score was 69.4 out of 100, which falls in the ‘moderate’ range. Interestingly, there were no significant differences between people assigned male at birth versus those assigned female at birth. The three lowest-scoring areas were diet (37.7), body weight (61.6), and physical activity (63.4). These are exactly the same three areas where the general U.S. population struggles most, suggesting transgender adults face similar lifestyle challenges as everyone else.

The study measured gender minority stress - the unique stress that comes from discrimination, rejection, and having to hide one’s identity. While participants did experience this type of stress, it didn’t show a clear statistical connection to their heart health scores in this particular study.

This appears to be one of the first studies to systematically measure heart health in transgender adults using standardized tools, so there isn’t much previous research to compare it to directly.

The study only looked at one point in time, so we can’t know how heart health changes over years of hormone therapy. The group was relatively small and came from just one medical system, so results might not apply to all transgender adults.

The Bottom Line

Focus on the same heart-healthy habits that benefit everyone: eat more fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, don’t smoke, and manage blood pressure and cholesterol. These basics appear more important than worrying specifically about hormone therapy effects.

Transgender and gender diverse adults, their healthcare providers, and anyone interested in LGBTQ+ health. The findings may be most relevant to adults in similar age ranges and healthcare settings.

Heart health improvements from diet and exercise changes typically become noticeable within 3-6 months, with continued benefits over years of consistent healthy habits.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of fruits and vegetables, weekly exercise minutes, and monthly weight measurements
  • Set a goal to add one extra serving of vegetables per day and take a 10-minute walk after meals
  • Monitor the same heart health factors as the general population: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, diet quality, physical activity, sleep, and stress management

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Transgender individuals should work with qualified healthcare providers familiar with gender-affirming care to develop personalized health plans.