Endogenous vs. Circulating Testosterone

Definition

Endogenous testosterone is what the body naturally produces; circulating testosterone is the total amount in the bloodstream at a given time, including from external sources like hormone therapy. The distinction matters because transgender women on hormone therapy suppress endogenous testosterone but may have circulating testosterone from medication.

Examples

• •Respondents challenged H.B. 500's verification procedures because requiring proof of endogenous testosterone levels would force transgender women to stop hormone therapy, which is the very treatment that mitigates their advantage

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