Ada Cheung
@adacheung.bsky.social
Endocrinologist 🩺 | Trans Health Research 🏳️⚧️Clinician Scientist Professor @UnimelbMDHS | CoDI @TheEndoSociety🌳🌈
A world-first 🌈🧬 Published today in Nature Medicine: gender-affirming hormone therapy changes the body’s proteins, aligning biology with gender identity.
Led by @unimelb, @MCRI_for_kids & @Austin_Health — a huge step for #TransHealth research.
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Led by @unimelb, @MCRI_for_kids & @Austin_Health — a huge step for #TransHealth research.
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Plasma proteome adaptations during feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy - Nature Medicine
Researchers analyzed 5,279 plasma proteins in 40 people undergoing feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy over 6 months, revealing significant changes in 299 proteins. Such changes could have…
www.nature.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:57 PM
A world-first 🌈🧬 Published today in Nature Medicine: gender-affirming hormone therapy changes the body’s proteins, aligning biology with gender identity.
Led by @unimelb, @MCRI_for_kids & @Austin_Health — a huge step for #TransHealth research.
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Led by @unimelb, @MCRI_for_kids & @Austin_Health — a huge step for #TransHealth research.
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
🚨 Our latest study in JAMA Network Open shows gender-affirming hormone therapy shifts heart injury marker #troponin towards the affirmed gender.
🫀 Important implications for safe, accurate emergency care.
Read: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
#TransHealth #LabMedicine #Cardiology #TransResearch
🫀 Important implications for safe, accurate emergency care.
Read: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
#TransHealth #LabMedicine #Cardiology #TransResearch
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I After Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
This case-control study examines high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I levels in transgender men and women over 12 months of gender affirming hormone theraoy compared with cisgender men and women
jamanetwork.com
October 19, 2025 at 10:20 PM
🚨 Our latest study in JAMA Network Open shows gender-affirming hormone therapy shifts heart injury marker #troponin towards the affirmed gender.
🫀 Important implications for safe, accurate emergency care.
Read: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
#TransHealth #LabMedicine #Cardiology #TransResearch
🫀 Important implications for safe, accurate emergency care.
Read: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
#TransHealth #LabMedicine #Cardiology #TransResearch
Reposted by Ada Cheung
How does testosterone and estradiol impact the immune system?
ADIs Boris Novakovic, @adacheung.bsky.social, Rachel Davey, and Musa Mhlanga are looking for clues by studying the immune responses of people undergoing hormone therapy.
#FrontierScience
alleninstitute.org/division/fro...
ADIs Boris Novakovic, @adacheung.bsky.social, Rachel Davey, and Musa Mhlanga are looking for clues by studying the immune responses of people undergoing hormone therapy.
#FrontierScience
alleninstitute.org/division/fro...
Understanding the effects of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) on immune function using a systems immunology approach
The Allen Distinguished Investigator program provides three-year grants between $1M and $1.5M to individuals and teams
alleninstitute.org
September 22, 2025 at 11:01 PM
How does testosterone and estradiol impact the immune system?
ADIs Boris Novakovic, @adacheung.bsky.social, Rachel Davey, and Musa Mhlanga are looking for clues by studying the immune responses of people undergoing hormone therapy.
#FrontierScience
alleninstitute.org/division/fro...
ADIs Boris Novakovic, @adacheung.bsky.social, Rachel Davey, and Musa Mhlanga are looking for clues by studying the immune responses of people undergoing hormone therapy.
#FrontierScience
alleninstitute.org/division/fro...
🧠✨ New paper out! Our systematic review finds #trans people may be overrepresented in Functional Neurological Disorder #FND cases (3–45%).
Importantly, gender affirmation was often linked with improved symptoms — not worse.
Read more: doi.org/10.1080/2689...
Importantly, gender affirmation was often linked with improved symptoms — not worse.
Read more: doi.org/10.1080/2689...
September 1, 2025 at 11:57 PM
🧠✨ New paper out! Our systematic review finds #trans people may be overrepresented in Functional Neurological Disorder #FND cases (3–45%).
Importantly, gender affirmation was often linked with improved symptoms — not worse.
Read more: doi.org/10.1080/2689...
Importantly, gender affirmation was often linked with improved symptoms — not worse.
Read more: doi.org/10.1080/2689...
What a night! 🌈🏀 Honoured to be part of the premiere of HOOPS, a docuseries following trans basketballer Lexi Rodgers’ journey in the NBL1. A story of sport, resilience & belonging. Episodes drop Sept 4 — follow @transathletica.series on IG & TikTok!
August 22, 2025 at 1:38 AM
What a night! 🌈🏀 Honoured to be part of the premiere of HOOPS, a docuseries following trans basketballer Lexi Rodgers’ journey in the NBL1. A story of sport, resilience & belonging. Episodes drop Sept 4 — follow @transathletica.series on IG & TikTok!
📢 New study! 🏳️⚧️ In a randomized trial of trans women starting GAHT, we found no significant difference in fat distribution changes between cyproterone and spironolactone.
💡 Both support feminisation—choice can be guided by other factors.
🔗 doi.org/10.1080/2689...
#TransHealth #TransResearch
💡 Both support feminisation—choice can be guided by other factors.
🔗 doi.org/10.1080/2689...
#TransHealth #TransResearch
August 12, 2025 at 11:38 PM
📢 New study! 🏳️⚧️ In a randomized trial of trans women starting GAHT, we found no significant difference in fat distribution changes between cyproterone and spironolactone.
💡 Both support feminisation—choice can be guided by other factors.
🔗 doi.org/10.1080/2689...
#TransHealth #TransResearch
💡 Both support feminisation—choice can be guided by other factors.
🔗 doi.org/10.1080/2689...
#TransHealth #TransResearch
🏳️⚧️ Are you trans or gender diverse, 16+ and living in Australia?
Join TRANSform—Australia’s largest ongoing trans health research project! Over 2,000 people already have 💬📊
👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study
#transhealth #transresearch #nonbinary #genderqueer #TRANSform
Join TRANSform—Australia’s largest ongoing trans health research project! Over 2,000 people already have 💬📊
👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study
#transhealth #transresearch #nonbinary #genderqueer #TRANSform
June 24, 2025 at 11:25 PM
🏳️⚧️ Are you trans or gender diverse, 16+ and living in Australia?
Join TRANSform—Australia’s largest ongoing trans health research project! Over 2,000 people already have 💬📊
👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study
#transhealth #transresearch #nonbinary #genderqueer #TRANSform
Join TRANSform—Australia’s largest ongoing trans health research project! Over 2,000 people already have 💬📊
👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study
#transhealth #transresearch #nonbinary #genderqueer #TRANSform
🦴 Does GAHT affect bone health? What do we know so far? Where are the gaps?
We’ve unpacked the evidence in everyday language so you don’t have to wade through jargon 🏳️⚧️📖
Read the blog 👉 transresearch.org.au/post/gaht-bone-health
#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #bonehealth
We’ve unpacked the evidence in everyday language so you don’t have to wade through jargon 🏳️⚧️📖
Read the blog 👉 transresearch.org.au/post/gaht-bone-health
#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #bonehealth
Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Bone Health
Research on the impacts of gender-affirming hormone therapy on bone health shows mixed results.
transresearch.org.au
June 22, 2025 at 11:19 PM
🦴 Does GAHT affect bone health? What do we know so far? Where are the gaps?
We’ve unpacked the evidence in everyday language so you don’t have to wade through jargon 🏳️⚧️📖
Read the blog 👉 transresearch.org.au/post/gaht-bone-health
#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #bonehealth
We’ve unpacked the evidence in everyday language so you don’t have to wade through jargon 🏳️⚧️📖
Read the blog 👉 transresearch.org.au/post/gaht-bone-health
#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #bonehealth
👏 Big congrats to our amazing Masters student Silver Argentum (it/they/she) for presenting their research on what drives trans folks to seek gender-affirming care 🏳️⚧️💬
Already in TRANSform? Check your inbox 📥
New here? Join in 👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study
#trans #nonbinary
Already in TRANSform? Check your inbox 📥
New here? Join in 👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study
#trans #nonbinary
June 20, 2025 at 3:42 AM
👏 Big congrats to our amazing Masters student Silver Argentum (it/they/she) for presenting their research on what drives trans folks to seek gender-affirming care 🏳️⚧️💬
Already in TRANSform? Check your inbox 📥
New here? Join in 👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study
#trans #nonbinary
Already in TRANSform? Check your inbox 📥
New here? Join in 👉 transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study
#trans #nonbinary
🧬 New Research: How do sex hormones like oestrogen & testosterone affect immune function—and what does this mean for trans people on GAHT?
📉 Early data suggest impacts on inflammation, white cells & gene expression.
📣 More research needed!
🔗 doi.org/10.3389/fimm...
📉 Early data suggest impacts on inflammation, white cells & gene expression.
📣 More research needed!
🔗 doi.org/10.3389/fimm...
June 11, 2025 at 11:45 PM
🧬 New Research: How do sex hormones like oestrogen & testosterone affect immune function—and what does this mean for trans people on GAHT?
📉 Early data suggest impacts on inflammation, white cells & gene expression.
📣 More research needed!
🔗 doi.org/10.3389/fimm...
📉 Early data suggest impacts on inflammation, white cells & gene expression.
📣 More research needed!
🔗 doi.org/10.3389/fimm...
📢 New article out now! How often should prolactin be checked during GAHT? 🧪🏳️⚧️
🔍 Mild rises common with cyproterone
💡 Routine checks not always needed
💬 Symptom-guided care = less stress + cost
Read: frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1608108/full
#transhealth #GAHT #transresearch
🔍 Mild rises common with cyproterone
💡 Routine checks not always needed
💬 Symptom-guided care = less stress + cost
Read: frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1608108/full
#transhealth #GAHT #transresearch
June 10, 2025 at 11:19 PM
📢 New article out now! How often should prolactin be checked during GAHT? 🧪🏳️⚧️
🔍 Mild rises common with cyproterone
💡 Routine checks not always needed
💬 Symptom-guided care = less stress + cost
Read: frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1608108/full
#transhealth #GAHT #transresearch
🔍 Mild rises common with cyproterone
💡 Routine checks not always needed
💬 Symptom-guided care = less stress + cost
Read: frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1608108/full
#transhealth #GAHT #transresearch
I had the privilege of delivering a seminar at MSPGH @unimelb on trans health and the harm of disinformation 🏳️⚧️📢
🗣️ “Each of us holds power… Allyship means using that power with intention.
We need more action, more courage, and more care.
#transhealth #allyship #transrights #transgender
🗣️ “Each of us holds power… Allyship means using that power with intention.
We need more action, more courage, and more care.
#transhealth #allyship #transrights #transgender
June 9, 2025 at 11:10 PM
I had the privilege of delivering a seminar at MSPGH @unimelb on trans health and the harm of disinformation 🏳️⚧️📢
🗣️ “Each of us holds power… Allyship means using that power with intention.
We need more action, more courage, and more care.
#transhealth #allyship #transrights #transgender
🗣️ “Each of us holds power… Allyship means using that power with intention.
We need more action, more courage, and more care.
#transhealth #allyship #transrights #transgender
Just published: an evidence-based intro to chest binding 🩺🏳️⚧️
Our latest blog post takes a harm-reduction, autonomy-affirming approach for people who bind + those who support them.
Read: transresearch.org.au/post/chest-binding
#transhealth #chestbinding #transresearch
Our latest blog post takes a harm-reduction, autonomy-affirming approach for people who bind + those who support them.
Read: transresearch.org.au/post/chest-binding
#transhealth #chestbinding #transresearch
Chest Binding | Trans Health Research
A research-based guide to chest binding, which is the practice of flattening the appearance of the chest, often used by trans people.
transresearch.org.au
June 8, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Just published: an evidence-based intro to chest binding 🩺🏳️⚧️
Our latest blog post takes a harm-reduction, autonomy-affirming approach for people who bind + those who support them.
Read: transresearch.org.au/post/chest-binding
#transhealth #chestbinding #transresearch
Our latest blog post takes a harm-reduction, autonomy-affirming approach for people who bind + those who support them.
Read: transresearch.org.au/post/chest-binding
#transhealth #chestbinding #transresearch
5 years of research. 1 powerful report.
The TRANSform 2020–2025 Report is out now 🏳️⚧️📊
Findings, impact + community voices that are transforming trans health in Australia.
📥 Download + 🎥 Watch: transresearch.org.au/reports/transform20-25
#transhealth #TRANSform #transresearch
The TRANSform 2020–2025 Report is out now 🏳️⚧️📊
Findings, impact + community voices that are transforming trans health in Australia.
📥 Download + 🎥 Watch: transresearch.org.au/reports/transform20-25
#transhealth #TRANSform #transresearch
TRANSform Report (2020-2025) | Trans Health Research
The achievements, findings, and future goals of TRANSform, a longitudinal trans health project.
transresearch.org.au
June 3, 2025 at 11:38 PM
5 years of research. 1 powerful report.
The TRANSform 2020–2025 Report is out now 🏳️⚧️📊
Findings, impact + community voices that are transforming trans health in Australia.
📥 Download + 🎥 Watch: transresearch.org.au/reports/transform20-25
#transhealth #TRANSform #transresearch
The TRANSform 2020–2025 Report is out now 🏳️⚧️📊
Findings, impact + community voices that are transforming trans health in Australia.
📥 Download + 🎥 Watch: transresearch.org.au/reports/transform20-25
#transhealth #TRANSform #transresearch
Just launched: the first-ever Gender Euphoria Scale 🏳️⚧️✨
Made with @Swinburne + @MCRI_for_kids, it helps mental health care focus on trans joy – not just dysphoria.
Read: abc.net.au/news/105098958
Paper: doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2024.2447768
#transhealth #transjoy #gendereuphoria
Made with @Swinburne + @MCRI_for_kids, it helps mental health care focus on trans joy – not just dysphoria.
Read: abc.net.au/news/105098958
Paper: doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2024.2447768
#transhealth #transjoy #gendereuphoria
Researchers take a more positive approach to trans identity
Australian researchers have developed a world-first scale to measure an almost universal experience for trans adolescents and adults – gender euphoria – that could have significant implications for…
abc.net.au
June 3, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Just launched: the first-ever Gender Euphoria Scale 🏳️⚧️✨
Made with @Swinburne + @MCRI_for_kids, it helps mental health care focus on trans joy – not just dysphoria.
Read: abc.net.au/news/105098958
Paper: doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2024.2447768
#transhealth #transjoy #gendereuphoria
Made with @Swinburne + @MCRI_for_kids, it helps mental health care focus on trans joy – not just dysphoria.
Read: abc.net.au/news/105098958
Paper: doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2024.2447768
#transhealth #transjoy #gendereuphoria
Such a privilege to share our voices this week 🏳️⚧️🗣️
Clare Headland + I spoke to Master of Public Health students about trans health, allyship, and fighting disinfo in healthcare 💬🛡️
Grateful to all who listened + learned! 💖
#transhealth #allyship #publichealth
Clare Headland + I spoke to Master of Public Health students about trans health, allyship, and fighting disinfo in healthcare 💬🛡️
Grateful to all who listened + learned! 💖
#transhealth #allyship #publichealth
June 1, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Such a privilege to share our voices this week 🏳️⚧️🗣️
Clare Headland + I spoke to Master of Public Health students about trans health, allyship, and fighting disinfo in healthcare 💬🛡️
Grateful to all who listened + learned! 💖
#transhealth #allyship #publichealth
Clare Headland + I spoke to Master of Public Health students about trans health, allyship, and fighting disinfo in healthcare 💬🛡️
Grateful to all who listened + learned! 💖
#transhealth #allyship #publichealth
🚨 Estradot patch shortage in Australia until 31 Dec 2025.
If you're using it for #GAHT #HRT #MHT, talk to your doctor about alternatives: gels, tablets, or implants 🧴💊💉.
TGA has ok’d 🇩🇪 Estramon + 🇺🇸 Estradiol Transdermal System til 30 Jun.
#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #menopause
If you're using it for #GAHT #HRT #MHT, talk to your doctor about alternatives: gels, tablets, or implants 🧴💊💉.
TGA has ok’d 🇩🇪 Estramon + 🇺🇸 Estradiol Transdermal System til 30 Jun.
#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #menopause
June 1, 2025 at 6:41 AM
🚨 Estradot patch shortage in Australia until 31 Dec 2025.
If you're using it for #GAHT #HRT #MHT, talk to your doctor about alternatives: gels, tablets, or implants 🧴💊💉.
TGA has ok’d 🇩🇪 Estramon + 🇺🇸 Estradiol Transdermal System til 30 Jun.
#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #menopause
If you're using it for #GAHT #HRT #MHT, talk to your doctor about alternatives: gels, tablets, or implants 🧴💊💉.
TGA has ok’d 🇩🇪 Estramon + 🇺🇸 Estradiol Transdermal System til 30 Jun.
#transhealth #genderaffirmingcare #menopause
Last week Dr Sav Zwickl spoke at #ANZCA2025 in Cairns on trans health in pain and anaesthesia care. 🏳️⚧️ A great step toward better-informed, inclusive practice.
Clinician resources 👉 transresearch.org.au/professionalresources
Interview 🎥 youtu.be/8lPYGlhE02Y
Clinician resources 👉 transresearch.org.au/professionalresources
Interview 🎥 youtu.be/8lPYGlhE02Y
May 31, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Last week Dr Sav Zwickl spoke at #ANZCA2025 in Cairns on trans health in pain and anaesthesia care. 🏳️⚧️ A great step toward better-informed, inclusive practice.
Clinician resources 👉 transresearch.org.au/professionalresources
Interview 🎥 youtu.be/8lPYGlhE02Y
Clinician resources 👉 transresearch.org.au/professionalresources
Interview 🎥 youtu.be/8lPYGlhE02Y
Reposted by Ada Cheung
New Opinion article just published 🤓 : Approach to prolactin monitoring and hyperprolactinaemia in transgender and gender-diverse individuals undergoing gender affirming hormone therapy www.frontiersin.org/journals/end... #transgender #transhealth @adacheung.bsky.social @maccatino.bsky.social
https://frontiersin.org/articles/10.33…
May 28, 2025 at 11:38 AM
New Opinion article just published 🤓 : Approach to prolactin monitoring and hyperprolactinaemia in transgender and gender-diverse individuals undergoing gender affirming hormone therapy www.frontiersin.org/journals/end... #transgender #transhealth @adacheung.bsky.social @maccatino.bsky.social
🏳️⚧️ Just featured in CNN's explainer on #trans athletes, science & fairness in #sport. 🧬💪 Hormone therapy changes bodies—but policy must consider more than #testosterone. This is about equity, not exclusion. ⚖️🏃 edition.cnn.com/2025/05/29/h...
Do transgender women have an athletic advantage? Here’s what the science does – and doesn’t – say | CNN
What are the stakes when a fraction of a second, the length of an extended arm or the weight of a body in motion can mean the difference between victory and defeat?
edition.cnn.com
May 30, 2025 at 12:09 AM
🏳️⚧️ Just featured in CNN's explainer on #trans athletes, science & fairness in #sport. 🧬💪 Hormone therapy changes bodies—but policy must consider more than #testosterone. This is about equity, not exclusion. ⚖️🏃 edition.cnn.com/2025/05/29/h...
It’s Pelvic Pain Awareness Month! Experiencing pelvic pain after starting testosterone? You’re not alone. Research shows over 1 in 3 #trans and gender-diverse people using testosterone experience pelvic pain. It can feel confusing, frustrating, and isolating.
Why is this happening?
Why is this happening?
Pelvic Pain on Testosterone: What’s Going On and What Can Help
Pelvic pain on testosterone is common and treatable. You deserve care that supports your body and your identity.
www.transresearch.org.au
May 29, 2025 at 6:22 AM
It’s Pelvic Pain Awareness Month! Experiencing pelvic pain after starting testosterone? You’re not alone. Research shows over 1 in 3 #trans and gender-diverse people using testosterone experience pelvic pain. It can feel confusing, frustrating, and isolating.
Why is this happening?
Why is this happening?
At a time when finding gender-affirming doctors can still be difficult, students like Sam give us real hope for a future where trans healthcare is safe, accessible, and led with empathy. We’re thrilled to share that Sam Ronfeldt (she/her), current MD student and researcher with our team
May 28, 2025 at 3:21 AM
At a time when finding gender-affirming doctors can still be difficult, students like Sam give us real hope for a future where trans healthcare is safe, accessible, and led with empathy. We’re thrilled to share that Sam Ronfeldt (she/her), current MD student and researcher with our team
Fact or fiction? 🤔 "Being trans is just a fad and social contagion." "There's no evidence, so gender affirming care should be banned." @drbrendannolan1.bsky.social and I answer some of this #misinformation about #transhealth in our latest article 🏳️⚧️ 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Author reply to McDonough
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
April 1, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Fact or fiction? 🤔 "Being trans is just a fad and social contagion." "There's no evidence, so gender affirming care should be banned." @drbrendannolan1.bsky.social and I answer some of this #misinformation about #transhealth in our latest article 🏳️⚧️ 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
It was a privilege to speak on the importance of allyship this #TransAwarenessWeek with the fabulous Aysha Buffet at the Proud Science Alliance event hosted by Gilead Sciences Australia 🏳️⚧️
November 21, 2024 at 9:14 AM
It was a privilege to speak on the importance of allyship this #TransAwarenessWeek with the fabulous Aysha Buffet at the Proud Science Alliance event hosted by Gilead Sciences Australia 🏳️⚧️
Most people in my research team have been touched by the untimely passing of a sister, brother, friend, colleague, or patient. For no more than the fact they dared to live authentically. Today is Trans Day of Remembrance #tdor - a day when we gather in community solidarity,
November 20, 2024 at 12:30 PM
Most people in my research team have been touched by the untimely passing of a sister, brother, friend, colleague, or patient. For no more than the fact they dared to live authentically. Today is Trans Day of Remembrance #tdor - a day when we gather in community solidarity,