Study of trans women links hormone therapy to vascular side effects

A study coordinated by Dr. Michael Goodman, professor of epidemiology, found a link between hormone use in trans women and an increase in vascular side effects, such as stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Specifically, he found rates of stroke and myocardial infarction among trans women were 80 percent to 90 percent higher than those observed in cisgender (individuals whose gender identity corresponds to their gender at birth) women, but similar to the rates found in cisgender men. Rates of VTE in trans women were nearly twice as high as those among cisgender men and women.

“While our study confirmed elevated risks of certain vascular events related to hormone therapy, these risks need to be weighed against the important benefits of treatment,” says Goodman. The researchers are quick to note that the study represents an early phase of research in this area and that more work is needed to better understand the roles of specific hormone formulations, doses, drug combinations, and routes of administration. The study was led by the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente colleagues in Georgia and northern California. n

Benefits of fortifying flour with folic acid

Approximately 57,000 birth defects of the brain and spine could be immediately prevented every year in 71 countries by adding folic acid to wheat flour, according to a study led by Dr. Vijaya Kancherla, research assistant professor of epidemiology.

“It’s important to note that 57,000 is an annual number. If fortification is sustained, in 20 years there will be more than 1 million fewer children with severe birth defects in these 71 countries,” says Kancherla. “Fortification in these countries can be easily started using their current milling infrastructure, and the result would be an immediate prevention of unnecessary disability and death in children for years ahead.” n