How hormones and mastectomy affect chest-related feelings in trans men and gender-diverse people
Official title: The Effect of Gender-affirmative Measures on Breast Perception in Trans Men (TRANSBREAST) - a Prospective Cohort Study
Run by Medical University Innsbruck · NCT07252687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will see if gender-affirming hormone therapy and mastectomy change breast-related distress and quality of life in trans men and gender-diverse people before they start treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical University Innsbruck Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Innsbruck) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2030 |
| Study ends | November 2030 |
| Registry record updated | March 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07252687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
AFAB people who identify as trans men or gender-diverse with breast dysphoria who have not yet started GAHT or had mastectomy, can consent, and understand German.
✕Probably not a fit
People already receiving GAHT, who have had mastectomy, who cannot give informed consent, or who do not speak German are not expected to benefit from participating.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study follows AFAB individuals who identify as trans men or gender-diverse before they begin gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) or undergo mastectomy, using the iTransQoL and a chest dysphoria questionnaire to measure outcomes. The primary aim is to analyze psychological and physical effects of breast development on chest dysphoria and related quality of life. A secondary aim is to compare how coping strategies such as binding versus taping relate to stress and well-being. Participants must be German-speaking, able to give informed consent, and attend visits at the Medical University of Innsbruck.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians and patients choose timing and support strategies to reduce breast-related distress and improve mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show GAHT and mastectomy often reduce gender dysphoria and improve mental health, but systematic data specifically on breast dysphoria and coping methods like binding versus taping is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * AFAB (Assigned Female At Birth) * before starting GAHT * before mastectomy Exclusion Criteria: * Ongoing GAHT * Mastectomy already performed * Lack of capacity to give consent * Insufficient knowledge of German
Where it's running
-
Medical University Innsbruck
Innsbruck, Austria Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Katharina Feil
- Email: katharina.feil@i-med.ac.at
- Phone: +4351250423276
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Effects of testosterone on headaches and brain development in transmasculine youth
This study is testing how testosterone therapy affects headaches and brain development in transmasculine youth aged 12-20 who were assigned female at birth.
-
Cervical and endometrial cancer screening for people having gender-affirming hysterectomy
This study will see how often transgender and gender-diverse adults get cervical cancer screening and endometrial sampling before a gender-affirming hysterectomy and whether those tests match what the hysterectomy finds.
-
Examining how tucking affects semen quality in trans women
This study is testing how tucking affects sperm quality in trans women who want to preserve their fertility before starting hormone therapy.
-
Investigating how sex hormones affect gut microbiome and heart health in transgender individuals
This study tests how sex hormones affect gut health and heart risks in transgender individuals receiving hormone therapy.
-
Gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender individuals in China
This study is trying to understand how gender-affirming hormone therapy affects the physical and mental health of transgender individuals in China over a year.
-
Pain sensitivity during gender‑affirming hormone therapy
This project will see if starting gender‑affirming hormones changes pain and perception thresholds in transgender adults beginning cross‑sex hormone therapy.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.