Research update by the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI)

The number of trans persons seeking gender affirming treatment is still increasing. Due to the relatively low prevalence of the condition and small number of specialized centers, international collaboration is warranted. The... [ view full abstract ]

The number of trans persons seeking gender affirming treatment is still increasing. Due to the relatively low prevalence of the condition and small number of specialized centers, international collaboration is warranted. The European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI) study is a collaboration of five European centers in Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, and Germany. The study aims to optimize the care for transgender persons in Europe. The research focuses mainly on, but is not limited to, the fields of endocrinology and psychology/psychiatry.

During this symposium, the researchers of ENIGI, will describe the study design and protocol, study objectives, and current results of the study. Furthermore, they will share their experience with endocrine care of... [ view full abstract ]

During this symposium, the researchers of ENIGI, will describe the study design and protocol, study objectives, and current results of the study. Furthermore, they will share their experience with endocrine care of transgender persons. After this presentation, an interactive Q&A will be held.

The ENIGI is a multicenter prospective study. For the endocrine part of the ENIGI study, four European treatment centers, in Ghent, Oslo, Florence, and Amsterdam, developed a standardized study and treatment protocol. [ view full abstract ]

The ENIGI is a multicenter prospective study. For the endocrine part of the ENIGI study, four European treatment centers, in Ghent, Oslo, Florence, and Amsterdam, developed a standardized study and treatment protocol.

Outcome measures include hormonal and metabolic parameters, bone density, secondary sex and anthropometric characteristics, and physical and psychological well-being during cross-sex hormonal treatment (CHT). [ view full abstract ]

Outcome measures include hormonal and metabolic parameters, bone density, secondary sex and anthropometric characteristics, and physical and psychological well-being during cross-sex hormonal treatment (CHT).

From February 2010 until May 2016, 1092 transgender persons were included in the study of which 576 persons were trans men and 516 persons were trans women. These numbers still rise since the inclusion is still ongoing. During... [ view full abstract ]

From February 2010 until May 2016, 1092 transgender persons were included in the study of which 576 persons were trans men and 516 persons were trans women. These numbers still rise since the inclusion is still ongoing. During the symposium, the first results of the endocrine part of the ENIGI research will be presented. Some examples of the research topics that will be discussed:
- Body fat distribution changes in both trans men and trans women
- Bone density improves in both trans men and trans women
- Breast development in trans women occurs mainly in the first six months of CHT
- The observed elevation in serum prolactin in trans women after initiating CHT is transient and not clinically relevant

The ENIGI initiative is one of the biggest collaborations performing research on safety and effectiveness of current hormonal treatment protocols. In order to provide the audience more insight in the ins and outs of the... [ view full abstract ]

The ENIGI initiative is one of the biggest collaborations performing research on safety and effectiveness of current hormonal treatment protocols. In order to provide the audience more insight in the ins and outs of the endocrine transgender care, the study design and protocol, study objectives, and research results addressing several domains of endocrine transgender care will be discussed during this symposium.