Effect of gender-affirming hormone treatment on athletic performance

Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University will examine the effects of gender-affirming hormone treatment that suppresses testosterone on measures of performance in certain sports

What is the study about?
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of gender-affirming hormone treatment that suppresses testosterone on measures of performance in certain sports.

What is involved?
Participants will be asked to attend a research lab in Manchester for about 5 hours on 3 occasions to undertake a series of tests including questionnaires, blood and urine samples, muscle biopsy, scans, and to undertake a variety of exercise performance tests. The participant information sheet provides further details and interested individuals will receive a copy of this to find out more about the study.

Who can take part?
People meeting the following criteria are eligible for this study:

  • Commencing male-to-female gender-affirming hormone treatment that includes testosterone suppression in <3 months
  • Age 18-39 years
  • Regularly competes in a sport that includes a strength/power component (preferably rugby) and engages in sport-specific training at least twice per week, or trains strength/power at least twice per week for at least the past year

How can people get involved?
Leeds Gender ID staff will introduce the study during routine appointments]