Affirming Hormone Treatment for a Transgender Adolescent After a Venous Thromboembolic Event

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2022 Jul 1;44(5):e892-e895. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002442. Epub 2022 Mar 16.

Abstract

Background: Medical affirmation, including gender-affirming hormones, is an essential component in the treatment of many transgender and gender-diverse youth. The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during testosterone therapy for gender-affirming care is not fully elucidated.

Observation: The case describes a 17-year-old transgender male treated with testosterone therapy who presented with an occlusive deep vein thrombosis of right axillary and subclavian veins. Testosterone level was 920 ng/dL at the time of the deep vein thrombosis, and he had no risk factors for VTE. A complete hypercoagulable workup was negative.

Conclusions: The possibility of testosterone therapy as a risk factor for VTE may suggest the need to include this information during informed consent discussions. Long-term anticoagulation may be considered for those restarting testosterone therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Testosterone / therapeutic use
  • Transgender Persons*
  • Transsexualism*
  • Venous Thromboembolism* / drug therapy
  • Venous Thrombosis* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Testosterone