Ongoing Research

TRANSform

TRANSform is an ongoing research project designed to investigate the health and wellbeing experiences of the Australian trans and gender-diverse community.

Participants first complete the enrolment survey, where they provide their email address which is then used to keep in touch with them for two key purposes:

Invitations to participate in TRANSform sub-studies. Each year TRANSform involves 2-3 sub-studies on priority research topics, and participants may be invited to participate in these via email. All these sub-surveys are voluntary – if people do not want to participate, they can just ignore the email.
TRANSform research updates. Each year participants are also sent 2-3 research update emails to keep them informed of the progress of the research including any publications and media coverage. This allows participants to see the outcomes of the time and energy they give to the project.

More detailed information about the TRANSform design and impact can be found in this blog post.

Participants can opt out of TRANSform at any time, no questions asked.

Participants

We are recruiting individuals aged 16 years and above who have a gender that is different from what was presumed for them at birth, including trans men, trans women, non-binary people, and people with a cultural gender identity, such as Sistergirls and Brotherboys.

All participants will go into a draw to win one of 50 x $100 Giftpay vouchers each year, that can be redeemed at a variety of stores and services.

Aims

The purpose of TRANSform is to provide robust, accurate, relevant, and current information about the Australian trans and gender-diverse community. We work to share TRANSform research widely, with the aim to have a real-world impact and improve the lives of trans and gender-diverse people. This involves peer-reviewed publications, media engagement, and presentations at national and international training sessions, seminars, and conferences to a broad range of audiences including healthcare professionals and government representatives.

As a trans-led project, TRANSform also raises the profile of community-led research and provides opportunities for trans researchers.

Collaborations

We invite collaborating researchers who may seek to analyse existing data or to perform a new sub-study/survey as part of TRANSform to express interest via the Collaborate link. Expression of interest forms will be initially submitted to Sav Zwickl then reviewed by the investigative team to assess scientific validity and appropriateness of data use. All projects must directly contribute to improving the health or well-being of the community or contribute to the education or training of a trans researcher. Investigators will provide written feedback and subsequent ethical approval will need to be obtained.

Join study now or collaborate with us.

Fitness and HRT Study

The GAME Study

This world-first study is following people over the first 12 months of gender-affirming hormones to monitor muscle strength, fitness, and power. It is based at the specialised elite sports facility at Victoria University in Footscray. Monitoring includes exercise testing, blood and muscle sample collections, and body composition scans over 1 year. It is estimated that participants will have to attend 6-9 sessions. You can read more about this study here.

Participants

The GAME Study is currently recruiting. The first step is that we need your consent. The Participant Information and Consent Forms for trans people starting gender-affirming hormone therapy and for people joining the comparator group (cisgender people and trans people not using hormones) are available for download.

For more information or to participate, email Kylie King at gender-research@unimelb.edu.au or call 045166 1295.

For much more in-depth information about The GAME Study, the Research Protocol is publicly available.

Aims

This world-first study aims to uncover the effects of GAHT on skeletal muscle health, fitness, and performance.

Benefits for Participants

This study involves a significant commitment from participants. While it might not suit everyone, those people who decide to participate will have a unique opportunity to measure some of the ways in which their body is changing in the first year of GAHT. The study staff will talk through fitness and body composition results if the participant is interested, and they can take home a copy of their results. Equally, results don’t have to be shared with participants if they prefer.

This is also a world-first study, so participants will be contributing to research that is likely to have a significant impact on a global scale.

Participants also receive a $200 visa gift card if taking part in all three days, or $150 if taking part in day 1 and day 2 (fitness test only). Meals are also provided before some study visits.

Progesterone Study

Micronised Progesterone Study

Study visits will be conducted at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Heidelberg, Victoria. Participants will continue their usual estrogen therapy, but will be asked to temporarily stop any testosterone blockers for 2 months. For 1 month, participants will be randomised to either receiving high-dose micronised progesterone (300mg) or placebo in addition to their usual estradiol therapy. For the 2nd month, participants will be given the other option (placebo or micronised progesterone). After 2 months, participants will resume their usual treatment. Micronised progesterone or placebo capsules will be supplied without charge during the study.

Participants

We are seeking trans people, assigned male at birth, who are already using gender-affirming hormone therapy. We need research participants who have been on hormone therapy for a minimum of 6 months, are happy to stop their testosterone blocker (antiandrogen) for 2 months during the study, and have not previously used micronised progesterone before. That includes Prometrium and others.

Aims

We are aiming to assess the effectiveness of micronised progesterone. We will be studying the effect of high-dose micronised progesterone on sleep, psychological distress, and testosterone levels.

Express interest and see the consent form.

Minoxidil for Hair Study

This study involves at least 6 face-to-face visits over 24 weeks at Sinclair Dermatology in East Richmond, Victoria. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive sublingual minoxidil or placebo while they continue their testosterone therapy. At each study visit, they will be required to have photos of their scalp taken with a camera as well as magnified photos of their hair at the front and back.

Participants

We are seeking trans individuals, assigned female at birth, who are already on testosterone therapy and have hair loss/hair thinning from their testosterone treatment. Participants can continue their testosterone during this study. Participants should feel comfortable with having a small temporary tattoo dots (1mm size) placed on their scalp and a small part of the back of their scalp (size of 20 cent coin) clipped.

Aims

We are wanting to assess the effectiveness of minoxidil, taken under the tongue, in improving hair density and quality of life for trans people who suffer from patterned hair loss/hair thinning due to their testosterone treatment.

Benefits for Participants

Free photographs of the scalp to monitor hair loss/hair thinning, assessment of scalp hairs using computerised artificial intelligence and potential sublingual minoxidil free of charge.

Express interest and see the consent form.