Swiss prospective cohort of transgender and gender-diverse people
Official title: Swiss Prospective Cohort of TRAnsgender and Gender Diverse Individuals - The SPECTRA Study
Run by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06774053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests which social, medical, and biological factors are linked to health and well-being in transgender and gender-diverse people in Switzerland who are starting, undergoing, or have stopped gender-affirming care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Basel and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2046 |
| Study ends | January 2046 |
| Registry record updated | June 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06774053 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are transgender and gender-diverse individuals aged 16 or older with a diagnosis of gender incongruence who are initiating, currently receiving, or have discontinued gender-affirming therapies and can give informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
People who cannot give informed consent, are unable or unwilling to adhere to follow-up questionnaires and sample collection, or who do not have a diagnosis of gender incongruence are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective observational cohort enrolling transgender and gender-diverse individuals aged 16 and older across Swiss centers. Participants complete regular electronic questionnaires on gender congruence, quality of life, and mental health while providing biological samples such as blood, urine, stool, and skin swabs. Researchers will compare outcomes across subgroups (e.g., starting GAHT, ongoing GAHT, post-GAS, or detransitioned) to identify factors associated with better or worse health. Clinical data from participating hospitals will be combined with laboratory analyses to explore biological correlates of reported outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help tailor gender-affirming care and support services to improve mental and physical health for transgender and gender-diverse patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mental health benefits from gender-affirming hormone therapy, but comprehensive longitudinal cohorts linking patient-reported outcomes with broad biological sampling are less common.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 16 years and above. * Established diagnosis of gender incongruence * Indication for gender affirming therapy or ongoing or discontinued gender affirming therapy Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to give informed consent * Missing commitment or ability to study protocol adherence
Where it's running
-
University Hospital of Basel
Basel, Switzerland Recruiting -
Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne
Lucerne, Switzerland Not yet recruiting -
University Hospital of Zürich
Zurich, Switzerland Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bettina Winzeler, PD Dr. — University Hospital Basel, Department of Endocrinology
- Study coordinator: Bettina Winzeler, PD Dr.
- Email: bettina.winzeler@usb.ch
- Phone: +41 61 556 50 75
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Cardiovascular effects of gender-affirming hormones in adults
This project tests whether masculinizing or feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy changes heart and blood vessel health in transgender adults who have been on hormones for at least 12 months.
-
Observational study on adults seeking treatment for gender incongruence
This study is looking to see how well current medical and surgical treatments for gender incongruence work and how satisfied adults are with them, to help improve care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
-
Evaluating health care for young people with gender incongruence
This study looks at how well the health care program for young people with gender incongruence in Denmark is working by checking their physical health and mental well-being.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Investigating the effects of hormone therapy in transgender individuals
This study is trying to see how starting hormone therapy affects the mental and physical health of transgender individuals.
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.