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People in transition from female to male face future fertility problems. But new research suggests that children in the future are a real possibility for these transgender men.
Research shows that transgender men can remain fertile even after one year of testosterone treatment.
Well preserved ovarian function
It is common for transgender men – who have been assigned to birth at birth (AFAB), but who identify as men – to be treated with testosterone as a treatment for affirming the condition. Gender equality. But some may want children later in pregnancy or through a surrogate, Israeli researchers said.
"Since the long-term effects of testosterone treatment on fertility are unknown, the current recommendation is to stop testosterone at least three months before fertility treatments," said Dr. Yona Greenman, investigator. main. She runs the Transgender Health Center at Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center.
The study looked at 52 transgender men aged 17 to 40 who had received testosterone treatment over a 12-month period. They had expected increase in testosterone blood levels and a decrease in estrogen levels, but their anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels remained in the normal range of fertility.
AMH levels are used to evaluate the remaining eggs in the ovaries. The average rates among study participants only decreased slightly, suggesting that their ovarian function was well preserved, according to Greenman.
Participants also showed no change in the thickness of their uterine lining. A thick lining is crucial for the implantation of embryos and a successful pregnancy.
Reproduction of a transgender right
The results will be presented Saturday at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in New Orleans.
"Our research shows for the first time that after one year of testosterone treatment, ovarian function is preserved to an extent that can allow reproduction," Greenman said in a press release. "This information is important for transgender men and their partners who want to have their own children."
She added that further studies are needed to examine the effects of testosterone on other fertility criteria, including the quality of fertilized eggs and embryos in vitro.
"These results are another step towards giving transgender people basic rights such as reproduction," added Greenman.
Research presented at meetings is generally considered preliminary until it is published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Image credit: iStock
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