Gender identity disorders and multiple sclerosis risk: A national record-linkage study. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pakpoor, Julia; Wotton, Clare J; Schmierer, Klaus; Giovannoni, Gavin; Goldacre, Michael J
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis. Volume 22:Number 13(2016)
• Page Start: 1759
• Page End: 1762
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis -- risk factor -- sex hormones -- testosterone -- transgender -- epidemiology; Central nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Myelin sheath -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; Central Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Demyelinating Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple Sclerosis -- Periodicals; Système nerveux central -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Gaine de myéline -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Inflammation (Pathologie) -- Périodiques; Sclérose en plaques -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.834005
• DOI: 10.1177/1352458515627205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-4585

Abstract

Background: An altered balance of gonadal hormones in males with gender identity disorders (GIDs) may increase multiple sclerosis (MS) risk both inherently and secondary to treatment in undergoing male-to-female conversion. Objective: We investigated any association between GIDs and MS through analysis of record-linked hospital statistics. Method: Analysis of English Hospital Episode Statistics, 1999–2012. Results: The adjusted rate ratio (RR) of MS following GIDs in males was 6.63 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.81–17.01, p = 0.0002). The RR of MS following GIDs in females was 1.44 (95% CI = 0.47–3.37, p = 0.58). Conclusion: We report a strong association between GIDs and MS in male-to-females, supporting a potential role for low testosterone and/or feminising hormones on MS risk in males.