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Ada Cheung

@adacheung.bsky.social
372 followers 575 following 44 posts

Endocrinologist 🩺 | Trans Health Research 🏳️‍⚧️Clinician Scientist Professor @UnimelbMDHS | CoDI @TheEndoSociety🌳🌈

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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Trans research has spent decades measuring how much trans people suffer. This one measured joy. ✨ 732 trans Australians. Most describe their gender euphoria as strong. Joy is measurable. We should measure it more. New in eClinicalMedicine 🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.ec...
doi.org
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.104039
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Pick up a newspaper, turn on the news, open social media. Trans people are under attack. Our new paper in Frontiers in Public Health, led by @savzwickl, puts numbers to what trans Australians have been saying for years. 1/5 🧵 #TransHealth #PublicHealth
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
New systematic review 📄 Trans people make up 3 to 45% of FND clinic patients. In 7 of 10 cases where FND started before gender affirmation, symptoms resolved with affirming care. None got worse. FND services need to be trans affirming. 🧠 Open access ⬇️ doi.org/10.1080/2689...
doi.org
A systematic review of functional neurological disorder in transgender people
Trans and gender diverse people may be more likely to have a functional neurological disorder (FND), although the reasons for this are unclear. This systematic review examines the relationship betw...
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
New paper 📄 87% of #nonbinary people who started low-dose transdermal #testosterone stayed on low doses at 6-12 months. Low-dose isn't a stepping-stone. For many, it's the goal. Guidelines built around full masculinisation don't reflect this reality. #transhealth 🔗 doi.org/10.1111/cen....
doi.org
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
📉 New paper: Demand for gender affirming care in Victoria is DOWN, not up. Referrals to all 3 tertiary gender clinics peaked in 2021 (n=1,440) and fell to n=944 by 2024. The "exponential rise" narrative doesn't match the data. #trans #transhealth 🧵 doi.org/10.1111/imj....
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
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...
nature.com
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…
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
🚨 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
jamanetwork.com
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
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Reposted by Ada Cheung
allen institute @alleninstitute.org · 23/09/2025
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...
alleninstitute.org
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
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
🧠✨ 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...
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
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!
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
📢 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
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
🏳️‍⚧️ 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
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
🦴 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
transresearch.org.au
Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Bone Health
Research on the impacts of gender-affirming hormone therapy on bone health shows mixed results.
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
👏 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
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
🧬 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...
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
📢 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
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
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
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
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
transresearch.org.au
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.
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
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
transresearch.org.au
TRANSform Report (2020-2025) | Trans Health Research
The achievements, findings, and future goals of TRANSform, a longitudinal trans health project.
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
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
abc.net.au
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…
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
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
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
🚨 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
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
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
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Reposted by Ada Cheung
Dr Brendan Nolan @drbrendannolan1.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
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
frontiersin.org
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
🏳️‍⚧️ 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...
edition.cnn.com
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?
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
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?
transresearch.org.au
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.
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
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
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
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/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Author reply to McDonough
Click on the article title to read more.
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
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 🏳️‍⚧️
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
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,
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