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Ada Cheung

@adacheung.bsky.social
375 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
This is a modifiable problem. Media outlets, platforms and governments can all act on it. Designed and led by trans researchers. 🔗 www.frontiersin.org/journals/pub... Support: Lifeline 13 11 14, QLife 1800 184 527 #TransHealth #MentalHealth
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Mental health impacts of anti-trans stigma on transgender people in Australia: a mixed-methods study
BackgroundAnti-trans stigma has escalated globally, yet there is limited empirical evidence examining its mental health impacts on trans populations.MethodsI...
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
One participant, 27, non-binary: "It is almost impossible to avoid this media and still stay connected to any part of the trans community." Logging off protects you from the abuse. It also cuts you off from the people who sustain you.
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Almost 3 in 4 stopped or cut back on news media to protect their mental health. Nearly as many had done the same with social media. More frequent exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, across all seven forms of stigma we measured.
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Mental health impacts of anti-trans stigma on transgender people in Australia: a mixed-methods study
BackgroundAnti-trans stigma has escalated globally, yet there is limited empirical evidence examining its mental health impacts on trans populations.MethodsI...
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
We asked 807 trans people across Australia how often they encountered anti-trans content in the previous month. For most, it was close to unavoidable. 📱 72% saw anti-trans remarks online multiple times a week 📰 58% in the news media 2/5
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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
Either way, the data should inform policy, not fear. ✅ Decentralised, evidence-based service planning works. A model worth watching in other jurisdictions facing referral pressure. 🔗 doi.org/10.1111/imj.... #TransHealth #TransResearch
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
2️⃣ Demand itself may be levelling off. ✋ When left-handedness was destigmatised, prevalence rose sharply for a decade, then plateaued. People who always existed felt safe to be counted. The same pattern may be playing out here.
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Why the drop? Two plausible explanations 👇 1️⃣ Care is decentralising. GP training since 2018, Orygen's community service since 2023, more primary care providers. Tertiary hospitals aren't the only door anymore. 🏥➡️🏡
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
What we found across Austin Health, Monash Health and the Royal Children's Hospital, 2020 to 2024: 🔹 Peak: 2021 (n=1,440) 🔹 2024: n=944, the lowest year observed 🔹 Decline from 2021 to 2024 was statistically significant (p=0.009) 📊
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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 · 03/09/2025
Completely agree @drnickschindler.bsky.social 💜
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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
Evidence matters. Stories matter. Together they show why inclusive pathways in sport aren’t just fair — they’re life-changing. 🌈 Big congratulations to Snack Drawer & Lexi Rodgers for bringing this story to the world.
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Too often, trans people are reduced to political talking points. HOOPS tells a different story: the love of the game & the power of inclusion. It also echoes our research showing that trans people face major barriers to participation in sport ➡️ doi.org/10.1136/bjsp...
doi.org
Participation, barriers, facilitators and bullying experiences of trans people in sport and fitness: findings from a national community survey of trans people in Australia
Objectives This study aimed to assess participation rates of transgender and gender diverse (trans) people in sport/fitness activities, compare mental health outcomes for trans people participating…
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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
💙 Nervous system patterns, especially for those with trauma histories. 💙 Hormonal cycles, if periods are still occurring despite testosterone. Our blog post explores the treatment options available. View it here: www.transresearch.org.au/post/pelvic-... #TransHealth #PelvicPain #TestosteroneTherapy
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 · 29/05/2025
It’s often not just one thing, it could be: 💙 Tight pelvic floor muscles. Testosterone can increase muscle bulk and tension. 💙 Genital changes, such as atrophy or increased sensitivity. 💙 Surgical factors; post-op changes and scar tissue. 💙 Avoiding the toilet due to safety or access concerns.
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 · 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
stars in the latest podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/1eL8.... Sam is leading a research project on #estradiol implants & has been #DiversityandInclusion Officer for the University of Melbourne Medical Students’ Society, where she advocates for a more inclusive medical education. #transgender
open.spotify.com
Future Doctors, Current Leaders: Meet our student voices
MMS Network · Episode
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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
It takes nothing to share a moment of compassion, or hold the hope for those who cannot in the moment. Today is a really tough day for many. If you need support, an extensive list of trans-affirming services and resources are available here: www.transresearch.org.au/community-re...
transresearch.org.au
Community Resources | Trans Health Research
This page provides information for trans and gender diverse people and the people in their lives.
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Ada Cheung @adacheung.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
to honour and remember those trans and gender-diverse people who have lost their lives to transphobic violence and discrimination, and commit to fighting transphobia to create a better, safer, and more inclusive world for everyone.
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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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