Investigating the effects of hormone therapy in transgender individuals

Transgender In Transition: Metabolism, Behaviour and Psychopathology in Transsexual Patients Following Hormonal Treatment

Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · NCT04028219

This study is trying to see how starting hormone therapy affects the mental and physical health of transgender individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment750 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (other)
Locations5 sites (Frankfurt am Main, Hesse and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04028219 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on individuals diagnosed with gender incongruence who are about to begin gender-affirming hormone therapy. It aims to explore the psychological, biological, and behavioral consequences of hormone treatment through various assessments, including clinical interviews, psychometric evaluations, and genetic analyses. Participants will provide blood, stool, hair, and saliva samples to better understand the long-term effects of sex hormones. The findings are expected to enhance knowledge about the health-related outcomes of hormone therapy in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with gender incongruence or gender dysphoria who have not yet started hormone therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of health outcomes for transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored aspects of hormone therapy in transgender individuals, but this study's comprehensive approach to psychological and biological outcomes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of gender incongruence (ICD-11) or gender dysphoria (DSM-5)
* written informed consent following adequate oral and written Information
* before gender-affirming hormonal treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancy or breast-feeding

Where this trial is running

Frankfurt am Main, Hesse and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Gender Incongruence

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.