Approximately 1.4% of the Australian population are trans and gender diverse, yet trans people are arguably the most marginalised and socioeconomically disadvantaged group in Australia with high rates of depression, suicidality and a dearth of research to guide optimal gender-affirming hormone therapy. In addition to these barriers, trans people have difficulty accessing basic healthcare due to lack of acceptance and knowledge among healthcare professionals.
A/Prof Cheung will provide an overview of her career pathway into transgender health pioneering co-designed research and clinical service delivery. Her research team has systematically addressed the biggest health issues facing the trans community (a) healthcare delivery, (b) gender affirming hormone therapy and (c) mental health and wellbeing. Optimal methods of delivering testosterone therapy and estradiol/anti-androgen therapy will be discussed as well as the latest research on the impact of gender affirming hormone therapy on bone, haematological, cardiac, hair and immune function.