Ada Cheung

Plasma proteome adaptations during feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy - Nature Medicine Researchers analyzed 5,279 plasma proteins in 40 people undergoing feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy over 6 months, revealing significant changes in 299 proteins. Such changes could have…

A world-first 🌈🧬 Published today in Nature Medicine: gender-affirming hormone therapy changes the body’s proteins, aligning biology with gender identity.
Led by @unimelb, @MCRI_for_kids & @Austin_Health — a huge step for #TransHealth research.
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I After Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy This case-control study examines high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I levels in transgender men and women over 12 months of gender affirming hormone theraoy compared with cisgender men and women

🚨 Our latest study in JAMA Network Open shows gender-affirming hormone therapy shifts heart injury marker #troponin towards the affirmed gender.
🫀 Important implications for safe, accurate emergency care.
Read: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

#TransHealth #LabMedicine #Cardiology #TransResearch

Understanding the effects of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) on immune function using a systems immunology approach The Allen Distinguished Investigator program provides three-year grants between $1M and $1.5M to individuals and teams

How does testosterone and estradiol impact the immune system?

ADIs Boris Novakovic, @adacheung.bsky.social, Rachel Davey, and Musa Mhlanga are looking for clues by studying the immune responses of people undergoing hormone therapy.

#FrontierScience

alleninstitute.org/division/fro...

Completely agree @drnickschindler.bsky.social 💜

🧠✨ New paper out! Our systematic review finds #trans people may be overrepresented in Functional Neurological Disorder #FND cases (3–45%).

Importantly, gender affirmation was often linked with improved symptoms — not worse.

Read more: doi.org/10.1080/2689...

Evidence matters. Stories matter. Together they show why inclusive pathways in sport aren’t just fair — they’re life-changing. 🌈

Big congratulations to Snack Drawer & Lexi Rodgers for bringing this story to the world.

Participation, barriers, facilitators and bullying experiences of trans people in sport and fitness: findings from a national community survey of trans people in Australia Objectives This study aimed to assess participation rates of transgender and gender diverse (trans) people in sport/fitness activities, compare mental health outcomes for trans people participating…

Too often, trans people are reduced to political talking points. HOOPS tells a different story: the love of the game & the power of inclusion.

It also echoes our research showing that trans people face major barriers to participation in sport ➡️ doi.org/10.1136/bjsp...

What a night! 🌈🏀 Honoured to be part of the premiere of HOOPS, a docuseries following trans basketballer Lexi Rodgers’ journey in the NBL1. A story of sport, resilience & belonging. Episodes drop Sept 4 — follow @transathletica.series on IG & TikTok!

📢 New study! 🏳️‍⚧️ In a randomized trial of trans women starting GAHT, we found no significant difference in fat distribution changes between cyproterone and spironolactone.
💡 Both support feminisation—choice can be guided by other factors.
🔗 doi.org/10.1080/2689...
#TransHealth #TransResearch

🏳️‍⚧️ Are you trans or gender diverse, 16+ and living in Australia?

Join TRANSform—Australia’s largest ongoing trans health research project! Over 2,000 people already have 💬📊

👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study
#transhealth #transresearch #nonbinary #genderqueer #TRANSform

Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Bone Health Research on the impacts of gender-affirming hormone therapy on bone health shows mixed results.

🦴 Does GAHT affect bone health? What do we know so far? Where are the gaps?

We’ve unpacked the evidence in everyday language so you don’t have to wade through jargon 🏳️‍⚧️📖

Read the blog 👉 transresearch.org.au/post/gaht-bone-health
#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #bonehealth

👏 Big congrats to our amazing Masters student Silver Argentum (it/they/she) for presenting their research on what drives trans folks to seek gender-affirming care 🏳️‍⚧️💬

Already in TRANSform? Check your inbox 📥
New here? Join in 👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study

#trans #nonbinary

🧬 New Research: How do sex hormones like oestrogen & testosterone affect immune function—and what does this mean for trans people on GAHT?
📉 Early data suggest impacts on inflammation, white cells & gene expression.
📣 More research needed!
🔗 doi.org/10.3389/fimm...

📢 New article out now! How often should prolactin be checked during GAHT? 🧪🏳️‍⚧️

🔍 Mild rises common with cyproterone
💡 Routine checks not always needed
💬 Symptom-guided care = less stress + cost

Read: frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1608108/full
#transhealth #GAHT #transresearch

I had the privilege of delivering a seminar at MSPGH @unimelb on trans health and the harm of disinformation 🏳️‍⚧️📢

🗣️ “Each of us holds power… Allyship means using that power with intention.

We need more action, more courage, and more care.
#transhealth #allyship #transrights #transgender

Chest Binding | Trans Health Research A research-based guide to chest binding, which is the practice of flattening the appearance of the chest, often used by trans people.

Just published: an evidence-based intro to chest binding 🩺🏳️‍⚧️
Our latest blog post takes a harm-reduction, autonomy-affirming approach for people who bind + those who support them.

Read: transresearch.org.au/post/chest-binding
#transhealth #chestbinding #transresearch

TRANSform Report (2020-2025) | Trans Health Research The achievements, findings, and future goals of TRANSform, a longitudinal trans health project.

5 years of research. 1 powerful report.

The TRANSform 2020–2025 Report is out now 🏳️‍⚧️📊
Findings, impact + community voices that are transforming trans health in Australia.

📥 Download + 🎥 Watch: transresearch.org.au/reports/transform20-25
#transhealth #TRANSform #transresearch

Researchers take a more positive approach to trans identity Australian researchers have developed a world-first scale to measure an almost universal experience for trans adolescents and adults – gender euphoria – that could have significant implications for…

Just launched: the first-ever Gender Euphoria Scale 🏳️‍⚧️✨
Made with @Swinburne + @MCRI_for_kids, it helps mental health care focus on trans joy – not just dysphoria.

Read: abc.net.au/news/105098958
Paper: doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2024.2447768
#transhealth #transjoy #gendereuphoria

Such a privilege to share our voices this week 🏳️‍⚧️🗣️

Clare Headland + I spoke to Master of Public Health students about trans health, allyship, and fighting disinfo in healthcare 💬🛡️

Grateful to all who listened + learned! 💖
#transhealth #allyship #publichealth

🚨 Estradot patch shortage in Australia until 31 Dec 2025.

If you're using it for #GAHT #HRT #MHT, talk to your doctor about alternatives: gels, tablets, or implants 🧴💊💉.

TGA has ok’d 🇩🇪 Estramon + 🇺🇸 Estradiol Transdermal System til 30 Jun.

#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #menopause

Last week Dr Sav Zwickl spoke at #ANZCA2025 in Cairns on trans health in pain and anaesthesia care. 🏳️‍⚧️ A great step toward better-informed, inclusive practice.

Clinician resources 👉 transresearch.org.au/professionalresources
Interview 🎥 youtu.be/8lPYGlhE02Y

New Opinion article just published 🤓 : Approach to prolactin monitoring and hyperprolactinaemia in transgender and gender-diverse individuals undergoing gender affirming hormone therapy www.frontiersin.org/journals/end... #transgender #transhealth @adacheung.bsky.social @maccatino.bsky.social

Do transgender women have an athletic advantage? Here’s what the science does – and doesn’t – say | CNN What are the stakes when a fraction of a second, the length of an extended arm or the weight of a body in motion can mean the difference between victory and defeat?

🏳️‍⚧️ Just featured in CNN's explainer on #trans athletes, science & fairness in #sport. 🧬💪 Hormone therapy changes bodies—but policy must consider more than #testosterone. This is about equity, not exclusion. ⚖️🏃 edition.cnn.com/2025/05/29/h...

Pelvic Pain on Testosterone: What’s Going On and What Can Help Pelvic pain on testosterone is common and treatable. You deserve care that supports your body and your identity.

💙 Nervous system patterns, especially for those with trauma histories.
💙 Hormonal cycles, if periods are still occurring despite testosterone.
Our blog post explores the treatment options available. View it here: www.transresearch.org.au/post/pelvic-...
#TransHealth #PelvicPain #TestosteroneTherapy

Pelvic Pain on Testosterone: What’s Going On and What Can Help Pelvic pain on testosterone is common and treatable. You deserve care that supports your body and your identity.

It’s often not just one thing, it could be:
💙 Tight pelvic floor muscles. Testosterone can increase muscle bulk and tension.
💙 Genital changes, such as atrophy or increased sensitivity.
💙 Surgical factors; post-op changes and scar tissue.
💙 Avoiding the toilet due to safety or access concerns.

Pelvic Pain on Testosterone: What’s Going On and What Can Help Pelvic pain on testosterone is common and treatable. You deserve care that supports your body and your identity.

It’s Pelvic Pain Awareness Month! Experiencing pelvic pain after starting testosterone? You’re not alone. Research shows over 1 in 3 #trans and gender-diverse people using testosterone experience pelvic pain. It can feel confusing, frustrating, and isolating.
Why is this happening?

Future Doctors, Current Leaders: Meet our student voices MMS Network · Episode

stars in the latest podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/1eL8....

Sam is leading a research project on #estradiol implants & has been #DiversityandInclusion Officer for the University of Melbourne Medical Students’ Society, where she advocates for a more inclusive medical education. #transgender

At a time when finding gender-affirming doctors can still be difficult, students like Sam give us real hope for a future where trans healthcare is safe, accessible, and led with empathy. We’re thrilled to share that Sam Ronfeldt (she/her), current MD student and researcher with our team

Author reply to McDonough Click on the article title to read more.

Fact or fiction? 🤔 "Being trans is just a fad and social contagion." "There's no evidence, so gender affirming care should be banned." @drbrendannolan1.bsky.social and I answer some of this #misinformation about #transhealth in our latest article 🏳️‍⚧️ 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

It was a privilege to speak on the importance of allyship this #TransAwarenessWeek with the fabulous Aysha Buffet at the Proud Science Alliance event hosted by Gilead Sciences Australia 🏳️‍⚧️