Testosterone decreases adiponectin levels in female to male transsexuals

Marta Berra¹, Francesca Armillotta¹, Laura D'Emidio¹, Antonietta Costantino¹, Giuseppe Martorana², Giuseppe Pelusi¹, Maria Cristina Meriggiola<sup>1

1</sup>Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital and University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
²Department of Urology, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital and University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy

DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2006.00204.x

Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the effect of testosterone (T) on adiponectin serum levels in transsexual female patients. Methods: We measured adiponectin, leptin, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, T, estradiol, lipid profile, biochemical parameters and body composition in 16 transsexual female patients at baseline and after 6 months of T treatment (100 mg Testoviron Depot /10 days, i.m.). Results: Adiponectin levels were 16.9±7.3 mg/mL at baseline and 13.5±7.4 mg/mL at month 6 of T treatment (P < 0.05). Leptin and high-denisty lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased, whereas body mass index, waist circumference and lean body mass significantly increased after 6 months of T treatment. No changes in insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment were detected. Conclusion: T can significantly reduce adiponectin serum levels in transsexual female patients.

Keywords:adiponectin; testosterone; transsexualism

Correspondence to: Dr Maria Cristina Meriggiola, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S. Orsola Hospital, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
Tel/Fax: +39-051-636-3716
E-mail: cristina.meriggiola@unibo.it
Received 2006-03-31 Accepted 2006-06-02