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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 15h

A world-first 🌈🧬 Published today in Nature Medicine: gender-affirming hormone therapy changes the body’s proteins, aligning biology with gender identity.
Led by @unimelb, @MCRI_for_kids & @Austin_Health — a huge step for #TransHealth research.
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Plasma proteome adaptations during feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy - Nature Medicine

Researchers analyzed 5,279 plasma proteins in 40 people undergoing feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy over 6 months, revealing significant changes in 299 proteins. Such changes could have…

www.nature.com

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 1d

🚨 Our latest study in JAMA Network Open shows gender-affirming hormone therapy shifts heart injury marker #troponin towards the affirmed gender.
🫀 Important implications for safe, accurate emergency care.
Read: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

#TransHealth #LabMedicine #Cardiology #TransResearch

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I After Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

This case-control study examines high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I levels in transgender men and women over 12 months of gender affirming hormone theraoy compared with cisgender men and women

jamanetwork.com

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Reposted by Ada Cheung

Allen Institute @alleninstitute.org · 28d

How does testosterone and estradiol impact the immune system?

ADIs Boris Novakovic, @adacheung.bsky.social, Rachel Davey, and Musa Mhlanga are looking for clues by studying the immune responses of people undergoing hormone therapy.

#FrontierScience

alleninstitute.org/division/fro...

Understanding the effects of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) on immune function using a systems immunology approach

The Allen Distinguished Investigator program provides three-year grants between $1M and $1.5M to individuals and teams

alleninstitute.org

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Sep 2

Completely agree @drnickschindler.bsky.social 💜

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Sep 1

🧠✨ New paper out! Our systematic review finds #trans people may be overrepresented in Functional Neurological Disorder #FND cases (3–45%).

Importantly, gender affirmation was often linked with improved symptoms — not worse.

Read more: doi.org/10.1080/2689...

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Aug 22

Evidence matters. Stories matter. Together they show why inclusive pathways in sport aren’t just fair — they’re life-changing. 🌈

Big congratulations to Snack Drawer & Lexi Rodgers for bringing this story to the world.

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Aug 22

Too often, trans people are reduced to political talking points. HOOPS tells a different story: the love of the game & the power of inclusion.

It also echoes our research showing that trans people face major barriers to participation in sport ➡️ doi.org/10.1136/bjsp...

Participation, barriers, facilitators and bullying experiences of trans people in sport and fitness: findings from a national community survey of trans people in Australia

Objectives This study aimed to assess participation rates of transgender and gender diverse (trans) people in sport/fitness activities, compare mental health outcomes for trans people participating…

doi.org

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Aug 22

What a night! 🌈🏀 Honoured to be part of the premiere of HOOPS, a docuseries following trans basketballer Lexi Rodgers’ journey in the NBL1. A story of sport, resilience & belonging. Episodes drop Sept 4 — follow @transathletica.series on IG & TikTok!

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Aug 12

📢 New study! 🏳️‍⚧️ In a randomized trial of trans women starting GAHT, we found no significant difference in fat distribution changes between cyproterone and spironolactone.
💡 Both support feminisation—choice can be guided by other factors.
🔗 doi.org/10.1080/2689...
#TransHealth #TransResearch

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 24

🏳️‍⚧️ Are you trans or gender diverse, 16+ and living in Australia?

Join TRANSform—Australia’s largest ongoing trans health research project! Over 2,000 people already have 💬📊

👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study
#transhealth #transresearch #nonbinary #genderqueer #TRANSform

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 22

🦴 Does GAHT affect bone health? What do we know so far? Where are the gaps?

We’ve unpacked the evidence in everyday language so you don’t have to wade through jargon 🏳️‍⚧️📖

Read the blog 👉 transresearch.org.au/post/gaht-bone-health
#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #bonehealth

Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Bone Health

Research on the impacts of gender-affirming hormone therapy on bone health shows mixed results.

transresearch.org.au

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 20

👏 Big congrats to our amazing Masters student Silver Argentum (it/they/she) for presenting their research on what drives trans folks to seek gender-affirming care 🏳️‍⚧️💬

Already in TRANSform? Check your inbox 📥
New here? Join in 👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study

#trans #nonbinary

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 11

🧬 New Research: How do sex hormones like oestrogen & testosterone affect immune function—and what does this mean for trans people on GAHT?
📉 Early data suggest impacts on inflammation, white cells & gene expression.
📣 More research needed!
🔗 doi.org/10.3389/fimm...

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 10

📢 New article out now! How often should prolactin be checked during GAHT? 🧪🏳️‍⚧️

🔍 Mild rises common with cyproterone
💡 Routine checks not always needed
💬 Symptom-guided care = less stress + cost

Read: frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1608108/full
#transhealth #GAHT #transresearch

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 9

I had the privilege of delivering a seminar at MSPGH @unimelb on trans health and the harm of disinformation 🏳️‍⚧️📢

🗣️ “Each of us holds power… Allyship means using that power with intention.

We need more action, more courage, and more care.
#transhealth #allyship #transrights #transgender

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 8

Just published: an evidence-based intro to chest binding 🩺🏳️‍⚧️
Our latest blog post takes a harm-reduction, autonomy-affirming approach for people who bind + those who support them.

Read: transresearch.org.au/post/chest-binding
#transhealth #chestbinding #transresearch

Chest Binding | Trans Health Research

A research-based guide to chest binding, which is the practice of flattening the appearance of the chest, often used by trans people.

transresearch.org.au

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 3

5 years of research. 1 powerful report.

The TRANSform 2020–2025 Report is out now 🏳️‍⚧️📊
Findings, impact + community voices that are transforming trans health in Australia.

📥 Download + 🎥 Watch: transresearch.org.au/reports/transform20-25
#transhealth #TRANSform #transresearch

TRANSform Report (2020-2025) | Trans Health Research

The achievements, findings, and future goals of TRANSform, a longitudinal trans health project.

transresearch.org.au

Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 3

Just launched: the first-ever Gender Euphoria Scale 🏳️‍⚧️✨
Made with @Swinburne + @MCRI_for_kids, it helps mental health care focus on trans joy – not just dysphoria.

Read: abc.net.au/news/105098958
Paper: doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2024.2447768
#transhealth #transjoy #gendereuphoria

Researchers take a more positive approach to trans identity

Australian researchers have developed a world-first scale to measure an almost universal experience for trans adolescents and adults – gender euphoria – that could have significant implications for…

abc.net.au

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 1

Such a privilege to share our voices this week 🏳️‍⚧️🗣️

Clare Headland + I spoke to Master of Public Health students about trans health, allyship, and fighting disinfo in healthcare 💬🛡️

Grateful to all who listened + learned! 💖
#transhealth #allyship #publichealth

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · Jun 1

🚨 Estradot patch shortage in Australia until 31 Dec 2025.

If you're using it for #GAHT #HRT #MHT, talk to your doctor about alternatives: gels, tablets, or implants 🧴💊💉.

TGA has ok’d 🇩🇪 Estramon + 🇺🇸 Estradiol Transdermal System til 30 Jun.

#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #menopause

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · May 31

Last week Dr Sav Zwickl spoke at #ANZCA2025 in Cairns on trans health in pain and anaesthesia care. 🏳️‍⚧️ A great step toward better-informed, inclusive practice.

Clinician resources 👉 transresearch.org.au/professionalresources
Interview 🎥 youtu.be/8lPYGlhE02Y

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Reposted by Ada Cheung

Dr Brendan Nolan @drbrendannolan1.bsky.social · May 28

New Opinion article just published 🤓 : Approach to prolactin monitoring and hyperprolactinaemia in transgender and gender-diverse individuals undergoing gender affirming hormone therapy www.frontiersin.org/journals/end... #transgender #transhealth @adacheung.bsky.social @maccatino.bsky.social

https://frontiersin.org/articles/10.33…

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · May 30

🏳️‍⚧️ Just featured in CNN's explainer on #trans athletes, science & fairness in #sport. 🧬💪 Hormone therapy changes bodies—but policy must consider more than #testosterone. This is about equity, not exclusion. ⚖️🏃 edition.cnn.com/2025/05/29/h...

Do transgender women have an athletic advantage? Here’s what the science does – and doesn’t – say | CNN

What are the stakes when a fraction of a second, the length of an extended arm or the weight of a body in motion can mean the difference between victory and defeat?

edition.cnn.com

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · May 29

💙 Nervous system patterns, especially for those with trauma histories.
💙 Hormonal cycles, if periods are still occurring despite testosterone.
Our blog post explores the treatment options available. View it here: www.transresearch.org.au/post/pelvic-...
#TransHealth #PelvicPain #TestosteroneTherapy

Pelvic Pain on Testosterone: What’s Going On and What Can Help

Pelvic pain on testosterone is common and treatable. You deserve care that supports your body and your identity.

www.transresearch.org.au

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · May 29

It’s often not just one thing, it could be:
💙 Tight pelvic floor muscles. Testosterone can increase muscle bulk and tension.
💙 Genital changes, such as atrophy or increased sensitivity.
💙 Surgical factors; post-op changes and scar tissue.
💙 Avoiding the toilet due to safety or access concerns.

Pelvic Pain on Testosterone: What’s Going On and What Can Help

Pelvic pain on testosterone is common and treatable. You deserve care that supports your body and your identity.

www.transresearch.org.au

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