Fact Check: Gender affirming hormone therapy can reduce physical advantages in transgender athletes.

Fact Check: "Gender affirming hormone therapy can reduce physical advantages in transgender athletes."

What We Know

The claim that gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) can reduce physical advantages in transgender athletes is supported by various studies examining the effects of hormone therapy on athletic performance. According to a narrative review, after two years of GAHT, no significant advantage was observed in physical performance metrics such as running time for trans women, and by four years, no advantage was noted in sit-up performance either (source-1).

Another study focused on the athletic performance of trans individuals in the U.S. Air Force found that prior to hormone therapy, trans women had a notable advantage in push-ups and sit-ups compared to their cisgender female counterparts. However, after two years of feminizing hormone therapy, these advantages diminished significantly, with trans women still being 12% faster in running compared to cisgender women (source-2).

The evidence suggests that while GAHT can reduce certain physical advantages, it may not completely eliminate them, particularly in endurance activities.

Analysis

The evidence regarding the impact of GAHT on athletic performance is mixed but generally points toward a reduction in physical advantages over time. The studies cited are peer-reviewed and provide a scientific basis for the claims made. However, they also highlight the need for further controlled longitudinal research, especially in athletic populations, to fully understand the implications of hormone therapy on performance metrics (source-1).

The reliability of the sources is high, as they are published in reputable medical journals and have been cited by other researchers in the field. However, the studies often involve small sample sizes and may not account for all variables affecting athletic performance, such as training regimens and individual physiological differences. This limitation suggests that while the findings are significant, they should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusion

The claim that gender affirming hormone therapy can reduce physical advantages in transgender athletes is Partially True. While evidence indicates that GAHT can diminish certain athletic advantages over time, particularly in strength and endurance metrics, some advantages may persist, especially in endurance activities like running. Therefore, while the therapy is effective in reducing disparities, it does not completely level the playing field in all aspects of athletic performance.

Sources

1. The Impact of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy on ... PubMed
2. Effect of gender affirming hormones on athletic ... PubMed
3. Effect of gender affirming hormones on athletic ... Congress.gov
4. Gender - World Health Organization (WHO) WHO
5. Gender and health WHO
6. Gender EURO - World Health Organization (WHO) WHO
7. The multigenerational charge for women’s health and gender ... WHO
8. Building a healthier world by women and for women is key to ... WHO