Eur Heart J

Dutch study clarifies heart risks of gender-affirming hormone therapy

November 14, 2025

In this retrospective analysis from the Amsterdam gender clinic, transgender women (n = 2,714) receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy had a lower risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and similar stroke risk compared with cisgender men, but a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Transgender men (n = 1,617) showed significantly higher risks of MI and stroke than cisgender women, with similar VTE risk. Socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors had minimal impact on these findings, underscoring the importance of individualized cardiovascular risk assessment in transgender care.

Clinical takeaway: Monitor cardiovascular risk closely in transgender men on testosterone therapy; thromboembolism remains a concern for transgender women.

Source:

van Zijverden LM, et al. (2025, November 4). Eur Heart J. Transgender persons receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy: risk of acute cardiovascular events in a Dutch cohort study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41187090/