The indications for monitoring patients with M / F-transsexualism, as well as the parameters for assessing body functions, were developed by us taking into account the analysis of recent literature data, “Standards for providing medical care for gender identity disorders” and our own experience.
Before treatment, the following parameters should be determined:
For the timely diagnosis of unwanted side effects to all patients receiving
general blood analysis;
biochemical blood test (fasting glucose, liver enzymes, lipid spectrum);
coagulogram;
blood test for hormones: testosterone levels, prolactin;
family history data for breast cancer; blood pressure measurement.
long-term estrogen therapy, it is necessary to monitor at least 1 time per year the following indicators:
- in b months);
complete blood count (1 every 6 months);
biochemical blood test (fasting glucose level, liver enzymes, lipid spectrum) (1 time
palpation of the liver, if necessary – ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
coagulogram;
hormonal blood test: testosterone, LH, prolactin levels (LH level is considered as
the main indicator of the adequacy of the therapy);
- control of arterial pressure;
- the state of the mammary glands, teaching methods of self-control;
- control of the state of bone tissue (can also serve as a criterion for the adequacy of therapy);
- body weight, chest circumference, waist, hips (these monitoring parameters allow to evaluate
the success of the ongoing hormone therapy and improve patient compliance); - Patients older than 50 years should evaluate the state of the prostate gland by measuring the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and ultrasound of the prostate gland. It must be remembered that it is the endocrinologist who is the main physician of a transsexual patient in
throughout the entire period of his life, both before and after surgery.