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Open Access 24-04-2024 | Mastectomy

The effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy and mastectomy on psychopathology, body image, and quality of life in adults with gender dysphoria who were assigned female at birth

Authors: Şenol Turan, Mahmut Taha Özulucan, Uğur Karataş, Yasin Kavla, Oğuzhan Koyuncu, Emre Durcan, Gizem Durcan, Semih Bağhaki

Published in: Quality of Life Research

Abstract

Purpose

Individuals with gender dysphoria (GD) may request hormone therapy and various surgical operations to change their physical characteristics. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two treatments, mastectomy and gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), on adults with GD who were assigned female at birth (GD AFAB).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we gathered data from a total of 269 individuals in three groups: (a) untreated group (n = 121), (b) GAHT group (n = 84) who had been receiving treatment for at least 6 months, and (c) GAHT-MAST group (n = 64) who had been using GAHT for at least 6 months and had undergone mastectomy at least 3 months prior. All participants were asked to complete the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Questionnaire- Brief Form, Turkish Version (WHOQOL-BREF-Tr).

Results

We found that individuals in the untreated group had higher psychopathological symptoms and body uneasiness scores, and lower quality of life scores compared to both GAHT and GAHT-MAST groups. There was no difference in psychopathology between the GAHT-MAST group and the GAHT group, but body uneasiness scores were lower, and quality of life scores were higher in the GAHT-MAST group.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that individuals receiving GAHT improved mental health, body satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Combining mastectomy with GAHT may further enhance these benefits.

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Title: The effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy and mastectomy on psychopathology, body image, and quality of life in adults with gender dysphoria who were assigned female at birth
Authors: Şenol Turan
Mahmut Taha Özulucan
Uğur Karataş
Yasin Kavla
Oğuzhan Koyuncu
Emre Durcan
Gizem Durcan
Semih Bağhaki
Publication date: 24-04-2024
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Mastectomy
Dysthymic Disorder
Published in: Quality of Life Research
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-024-03664-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy and mastectomy on psychopathology, body image, and quality of life in adults with gender dysphoria who were assigned female at birth

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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