The Utility of Preclinical Models in Understanding the Bone Health of Transgender Individuals Undergoing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.

Abstract

To summarise the evidence regarding the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on bone health in transgender people, to identify key knowledge gaps and how these gaps can be addressed using preclinical rodent models. Sex hormones play a critical role in bone physiology, yet there is a paucity of research regarding the effects of GAHT on bone microstructure and fracture risk in transgender individuals. The controlled clinical studies required to yield fracture data are unethical to conduct making clinically translatable preclinical research of the utmost importance. Novel genetic and surgical preclinical models have yielded significant mechanistic insight into the roles of sex steroids on skeletal integrity. Preclinical models of GAHT have the potential inform clinical approaches to preserve skeletal integrity and prevent fractures in transgender people undergoing GAHT. This review highlights the key considerations required to ensure the information gained from preclinical models of GAHT are informative.