Gender-affirming hormone therapy induces specific DNA methylation changes in blood.
Rebecca ShepherdIngrid BrethertonKen PangToby MansellAnna CzajkoBowon KimAmanda VlahosJeffrey D ZajacRichard SafferyAda CheungBoris NovakovicPublished in: Clinical epigenetics (2022)
We provide evidence for GAHT inducing a unique blood methylation signature in transgender people. This study advances our understanding of the complex interplay between sex hormones, sex chromosomes, and DNA methylation in the context of immunity. We highlight the need to broaden the field of 'sex-specific' immunity beyond cisgender males and cisgender females, as transgender people on GAHT exhibit a unique molecular profile.