Research on menopause in transgender and gender diverse individuals is lacking and without guidelines, but providers can draw on shared principles of cisgender menopausal hormone therapy and gender-affirming hormone therapy to support this population using shared decision-making and culturally competent care.
Key Findings
Background
Research on menopause in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals is lacking, with no clinical management guidelines currently available.
This is described as 'the first review of its type' to summarize the impact of the menopausal transition on TGD individuals.
No existing guidelines are identified to support clinical management of menopause in TGD people.
The review highlights 'the intersection of gender identity, hormone treatment, and age-related changes' as a key gap in the literature.
Results
The menopausal transition presents specific challenges and health considerations unique to transgender and gender diverse individuals.
The review summarizes the described impact of the menopausal transition on TGD individuals.
The experiences of TGD people 'do not necessarily conform to stereotypically ciswoman experiences.'
The review addresses the intersection of gender identity, hormone treatment, and age-related changes as compounding factors.
Results
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is associated with potential long-term risks that intersect with aging and the menopausal transition.
The review examines 'the potential long-term risks associated with both gender-affirming hormone therapy and the intersectionality with aging.'
These risks are identified as having the potential to impact hormone management and overall comprehensive care.
The review draws on shared principles between cisgender menopausal hormone therapy and GAHT to address these risks.
Conclusions
Providers are recommended to use shared decision-making, culturally competent care, and a strong understanding of TGD biological, personal, and social experiences when managing menopause in this population.
The authors recommend 'using shared decision-making, culturally competent care, and a strong understanding of the biological, personal, and social experiences of TGD people.'
Providers are described as 'well positioned to apply their expertise to support the TGD population during menopause' by drawing on existing knowledge of both menopausal hormone therapy and GAHT.
The recommendation explicitly acknowledges that TGD experiences 'do not necessarily conform to stereotypically ciswoman experiences.'
Kelley C, Ariel D. (2025). A review of menopause in transgender and gender diverse individuals.. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology. https://doi.org/10.1097/GCO.0000000000001013