Purpose: To determine bone mineral density (BMD) of transgender girls before pubertal blockade, and correlate with lifestyle and clinical variables.
Methods: Six transfemale peri-pubertal girls had knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T1-weighted images and single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). BMD measurements were obtained via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Questionnaires about physical activity, diet, and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) were completed. The T2 relaxation rate of water (R2 = 1/T2 in s -1) was correlated with scores on surveys.
Results: Three participants (50 %) had a low bone mineral density for age based on total body less head Z-score less than -2; two participants (33 %) had a low BMD for age at lumbar spine. All had EAT-26 scores below threshold for clinical concern. All participants self-reported regular exercise. Bone marrow MR variables (T1, fat fraction, unsaturation index and R2 of water) were not correlated with DXA measures.
Conclusions: Participants had low BMD on beginning pubertal blockade. Clinicians should consider monitoring BMD among youth AMAB, a group at potential risk for poor bone health.
Keywords: Bone mineral density; Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; Magnetic resonance imaging; Puberty; Transgender.
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