Transgender study becomes world’s largest investigation into blood tests while on hormone treatment

A groundbreaking study has become the world’s largest investigation of blood tests for transgender people who are taking hormones.

Two hundred trans and non-binary people have played a vital role in the research to determine the normal range of blood test results for people undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy. 

The Trans and Non-Binary Reference Intervals while on Hormone Therapy Study (TransRIHTS) is taking place at CliniQ, in Caldecot Road, Denmark Hill, sponsored by King’s College Hospital, and funded by London-based provider of pathology services, Synnovis.

The results of the study will help healthcare professionals monitor and maintain the liver, kidneys, heart, and bones of trans and non-binary individuals.

For many trans and non-binary people, hormone therapy is a crucial aspect of expressing their gender identity. 

Hormone therapy is known to change the normal results of some blood tests. 

Health care professionals use blood tests to assess health and identify disease so it is important to find out the new normal ranges.

Without them health care professionals might fail to spot disease early on, or perform unnecessary investigations because they misinterpret normal results as abnormal.

Dr Michael Brady, sexual health and HIV consultant at Kings College Hospital and national advisor for LGBT Health, said: “I’m very proud that our clinic at King’s College Hospital has been able to support this important study. 

“The experiences of trans and non-binary people are frequently not seen in clinical trials and I have no doubt that the outcomes of this work will have a positive impact on the way healthcare professionals interpret common blood tests in people taking gender-affirming hormone therapy.”

The study is still looking for volunteers. 

To be eligible to take part in the study, participants must be trans or non-binary adults who have been taking hormones for at least a year and who do not have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes.

For more information about the study, visit https://cliniq.org.uk/transrihts-study/

Pictured top: From left, Devon Buchanan, Principal Clinical Scientist, and Noeleen Bennett, Client Support Worker, promoting the TransRIHTS study at UK Black Pride 2023 (Picture: King’s College Hospital)