The Williams Institute

This study documents a number of important physiological manifestations of stress associated with the process of transition, describing the physical impacts of psychosocial stress during various stages of transition for trans men.

Using a combination of interviews to assess stress levels and data on physical indicators and behaviors, the study finds that trans men in the early stages of transition who reported stress related to being “out” experienced significant physiological impacts in terms of blood pressure.  Trans men in the middle to later stages of transitioning who reported stress related to “passing” as having been assigned a male sex at birth had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein levels, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease.

Though some physical impacts related to stress are significant for trans men, stress related to transition tends to decline over time.  The study cites other studies that found trans men experience improved quality of life and decreased depression among those who have received testosterone therapy.  Furthermore, 100% of participants in the study reported that transitioning was “the right thing for them to do.”