MP72-18 GENDER DYSPHORIA IN KLINEFELTER SYNDROME: HORMONE THERAPY IN KLINEFELTER SYNDROME - IS TESTOSTERONE ALWAYS THE ANSWER?

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP72-18 GENDER DYSPHORIA IN KLINEFELTER SYNDROME: HORMONE THERAPY IN KLINEFELTER SYNDROME - IS TESTOSTERONE ALWAYS THE ANSWER? Tiffany Kago, Daniel Clark, Kathryn Moore, Benjamin Moore, and Tet Yap Tiffany KagoTiffany Kago More articles by this author , Daniel ClarkDaniel Clark More articles by this author , Kathryn MooreKathryn Moore More articles by this author , Benjamin MooreBenjamin Moore More articles by this author , and Tet YapTet Yap More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003340.18AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is the most common sex aneuploidy (47, XXY). The physical manifestations of the disorder differ for each patient; so, an individualised treatment plan usually in the form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with Testosterone is used. However, there is increasing evidence that some KS patients question their gender identity when diagnosed and throughout their KS journey. The aim of this study is to investigate the issues surrounding HRT in KS as well as determine the preference of hormone treatment amongst adolescent and adult patients with KS. METHODS: As part of a registered Quality Improvement Project (QIP), data was collected from a 23-point questionnaire of KS patients’ attitudes to gender identity. This was shared with members of the Klinefelter Syndrome Association (KSA) from February to June 2022, and anonymised responses were collected via SurveyMonkey. The questionnaire was developed by multiple clinicians (including gender psychiatrists, urologists, psychosexual medicine specialists and endocrinologists) and patient Delphi rounds, in collaboration with the KSA. Data was reviewed and analysed by 4 independent researchers within the QIP team. RESULTS: Out of 114 respondents, only 55% of KS patients identified as male and 70% were on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). 12% of KS patients were receiving Oestrogen as their HRT, with 18% of all patients saying they would prefer to take Oestrogen. 2 testimonies given by patients supported this, expressing the difficulties they found when seeking this form of HRT. 34% believed that HRT (Oestrogen or Testosterone) made them look more like their desired gender, but 11 comments highlighted the negative behavioural side effects they had experienced when using TRT. 11% chose to discontinue their treatment, with the major cause being changes in their personalities, particularly mood swings and aggression. 19% of the cohort were not on HRT and 9% preferred to take neither TRT nor Oestrogen. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, only a third of individuals receiving HRT seemed satisfied with the physical changes they saw. Based on the data collected, a tenth stopped their HRT treatment, including those that were unhappy with the behavioural changes they had experienced on TRT. The data suggests that more research should be done to explore and address the complex needs KS patients may have, including gender identity issues, prior to starting any form of HRT. Patients must be counselled as to short- and long-term risks of each form of HRT. Source of Funding: N/A © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1031 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Tiffany Kago More articles by this author Daniel Clark More articles by this author Kathryn Moore More articles by this author Benjamin Moore More articles by this author Tet Yap More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...