This communication (poster) was presented at the ESPE/ESE 2025 Joint Congress (ECEESPE2025) by a team from Lisbon (Nova Medical School and Hospital de Dona Estefânia). The study longitudinally assessed the effects of the GnRH analogue triptorelin on linear growth and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents with gender dysphoria.
Design and sample
Longitudinal study in a paediatric endocrinology clinic (January 2020 to December 2024) with 22 adolescents (15 transmasculine and 7 transfeminine, aged 14 to 19) treated with triptorelin for at least two years. Growth parameters and BMD (DXA absorptiometry) were measured at baseline and at follow-up.
Results
The use of triptorelin was associated with a transient deceleration of growth, with partial recovery after discontinuation. BMD (Z-score) decreased during treatment with the analogue in both groups, with more marked reductions in transfeminine people. Of the 15 who started gender-affirming hormone therapy, a partial recovery of BMD was observed, although some remained below reference values.
The authors conclude that these findings underline the importance of regularly monitoring bone health during pubertal suppression and of applying early interventions, contributing to the evidence on best practices in the care of adolescents.
Bibliographic reference: Galhardo J, Caetano F, Farela Neves J, Lopes L. Triptorelin effects on linear growth and bone mineral density in transgender adolescents: a longitudinal study. Endocrine Abstracts (2025) 110 P235. DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.110.P235
Read the publication: Abstract in Endocrine Abstracts (ECEESPE2025)
