Using Animal Models for Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

Krisha Aghi; Teddy G Goetz; Daniel R Pfau; Simón E D Sun; Eartha Mae Guthman; Troy A Roepke

doi:10.1210/jendso/bvad144

Using Animal Models for Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

J Endocr Soc. 2023 Nov 20;8(1):bvad144. doi: 10.1210/jendso/bvad144. eCollection 2023 Dec 1.

Authors

Krisha Aghi¹, Teddy G Goetz², Daniel R Pfau^{3

4

5}, Simón E D Sun^{6

7}, Eartha Mae Guthman^{7

8}, Troy A Roepke⁹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
² Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
³ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
⁴ Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
⁵ Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
⁶ Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
⁷ Center for Applied Transgender Studies, Chicago, IL, USA.
⁸ Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.
⁹ Department of Animal Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.

Abstract

We have recently proposed experimental design guidelines and areas of study for preclinical rodent models of gender-affirming hormone therapy in neuroscience. These guidelines also apply to any field subject to the influences of gonadal steroid hormones, including metabolism and growth, cancer, and physiology. This perspective briefly describes our suggestions for these fields. Studying the effects of exogenous steroid hormones will have translational benefits for the community. We also discuss the need for equitable practices for cisgender scientists who wish to implement these guidelines and engage with the community. It is necessary that community-informed practices are implemented in preclinical research to maximize the benefit to transgender, nonbinary, and/or gender diverse (TNG) healthcare, which is currently in jeopardy in the United States, Europe, and across the globe.

Keywords: animal models; estrogens; gender identity; gender-affirming hormone therapy; steroids; testosterone.

Grants and funding

K12 GM106996/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States