Table of Contents
Does estrogen affect bone structure?
Estrogen plays an important role in the growth and maturation of bone as well as in the regulation of bone turnover in adult bone. During bone growth estrogen is needed for proper closure of epiphyseal growth plates both in females and in males.
Does bone density change with estrogen?
Estrogen is a key regulator of bone health, and estrogen deficiency plays an important role in both the rapid decline in bone mineral density (BMD) seen in postmenopausal cisgender (cis) women as well as the more gradual loss seen with aging in cis men [7, 8].
Does transitioning change bone structure?
Recent data from transgender men (female to male) and women (male to female) receiving hormone therapy have shown an increase in bone mineral density (BMD) after 12 months of treatment [10]. Another study on long-term testosterone therapy reported larger cortical bone size in trans men compared with natal females [11].
Does hormone therapy improve bone density in transgender women?
Transgender (trans) women have been frequently observed to have low bone density prior to initiation of gender-affirming hormone therapy, while trans men generally do not. With pharmacologic estrogen, many studies show improving bone density in trans women.
What are the effects of hormone replacement therapy for MTF transgender patients?
The effects of hormone replacement therapy for the MtF transgender patient are subjective and depend upon multiple factors among which the number and the response of the estrogen receptors naturally occurring in the patient’s tissues and upon the time in life in which therapy is started.
Can hormones change the shape of a trans woman’s body?
No. Once the skeleton has been through boy puberty, those changes cannot be reversed with hormones. Hormones can, however, affect muscle mass, which can effect a trans woman’s body shape in lovely ways. Some trans women have facial feminization surgeries which can make some changes to the bone structure…
What happens to a trans person’s bone structure after transition?
Whether male to female or vice versa, a trans person’s bone structure is unlikely to change in a significant way. If you were born female, you’re still more likely to be shorter, smaller, and have less dense bones after transition; if you’re born male, you’re more likely to be taller, bigger, and have denser bones.