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Synopsis of the Etiology of Gender

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  • Definition & Synopsis of the
    Etiology of Gender Variance
    Gender Identity Research and Education Society
    www.gires.org.uk
    MELVERLEY, THE WARREN, ASHTEAD, SURREY, KT21 2SP
    tel: 01372 801554.
    © GIRES 2008 Version 2.01
    July 18, 2009

    Definition & Synopsis of the Etiology
    of Gender Variance
    1. Severe gender variance in adults (sometimes still referred to as gender
    dysphoria) describes an inconsistency between the physical phenotype
    and the gender identity1, that is, the self identification as a
    man or as a woman. When this is experienced in a very extreme
    form, known as transsexualism2, individuals may need to adapt their
    phenotype through hormones and surgery to make it congruent with
    their gender identity. Individuals experiencing this condition are referred
    to as trans people, that is, trans men (those who transition
    from living as women to living as men) and trans women (those who
    transition from living as men to living as women).
    2. Transsexualism can be considered to be a neuro-developmental condition
    of the brain3. Several sex dimorphic nuclei have been found in
    the hypothalamic area of the brain (Allen & Gorski, 1990; Swaab
    et. al., 2001). Of particular interest is the sex dimorphic limbic nucleus
    called the central subdivision of the bed nucleus of the stria
    terminalis (BSTc) which appears to become fully volumetrically sex
    differentiated in the human brain by early adulthood. This nucleus
    has also been found to be sex dimorphic in other mammalian and
    avian species (Miller et. al., 1989; Grossmann et. al., 2002). In human
    males the volume of this nucleus is almost twice as large as
    in females and its number of neurons is almost double (P < 006)
    (Zhou et. al., 1995; Kruijver et. al., 2000; Chung et. al., 2002).
    3. The Kruijver et. al. study, cited above, indicates that in the case
    of transsexualism this nucleus has a sex-reversed structure. This
    means that in the case of trans women (n = 7), the size of this nucleus
    and its neuron count was found to be in the same range as
    that of the female controls (n = 13) and, therefore, women in the
    1The term ‘gender identity’ is used, in the UK, however, terminology varies around
    the world, and the term ‘sexual identity’ is preferred by many in the US. (pace Professor
    Milton Diamond). See “Sex and Gender are different: Sexual Identity & Gender Identity
    are Different”, (2000) Clinical Psychology & Psychiatry, Vol 7 (3):320–334.
    2The transsexual condition is also referred to in various ways (Diamond M, 2002)
    “Whats In a Name? Some terms used in the discussion of Sex and Gender”. Transgender
    Tapestry.
    3The UK government recognises that transsexualism is not a mental illness. See Lord
    Chancellors Department (now renamed Department of Constitutional Affairs)— government
    policy concerning transsexual people
    general population. In the only available brain of a trans man, the
    volume and structure of this nucleus was found to be in the range of
    the male controls (n = 21) and, therefore, men in the general population.
    It is hypothesised that this male-like BSTc will be present
    in other trans men as well. These findings were independent of sex
    orientation and of the use of exogenous sex hormones. In the 42
    human brains collected for this study, the BSTc was found to have a
    structure concordant with the identification as men or women. It is
    inferred that the BSTc is an important part of a sex dimorphic neural
    circuit, and that it is involved in the development of gender identity
    (Kruijver et. al., 2000).
    4. Sex differentiation of the mammalian brain starts during fetal development
    and continues after birth (Kawata, 1995; Swaab et. al.,
    2001). It is hypothesised that in humans, in common with all other
    mammals studied, hormones significantly influence this dimorphic
    development although, at present, the exact mechanism is incompletely
    understood. It is also postulated that these hormonal effects
    occur at several critical periods of development of the sex differentiation
    of the brain during which gender identity is established, initially
    during the fetal period, then around the time of birth; and also
    post-natally. Factors which may contribute to an altered hormone
    environment in the brain at the critical moments in its early development
    might include genetic influences (Land´en, 1999; Coolidge
    et. al, 2002) and/or medication, environmental influences (Diamond
    et. al., 1996; Whitten et. al., 2002), stress or trauma to the mother
    during pregnancy (Ward et. al., 2002; Swaab et. al., 2002).
    5. Gender identity usually continues along lines which are consistent
    with the individual’s phenotype, however, a very small number of children
    experience their gender identity as being incongruent with their
    phenotype. Adult outcomes in such cases are varied and cannot
    be predicted with certainty. It is only in a minority of these children
    that, regardless of phenotypical socialisation and nurture, this incongruence
    will persist into adulthood and manifest as transsexualism
    (Green, 1987; Ekins, 1997; Prosser, 1998; Di Ceglie, 2000; Ekins &
    King, 2001; Bates, 2002).
    6. As stated, in trans people, a sex-reversed BSTc has been found.
    The findings of a specific sex-reversed brain organisation in trans
    people provides evidence consistent with the concept of a biological
    element in the etiology of transsexualism. The evidence for an
    innate biological predisposition is supported by other studies, one
    example of which, indicates a higher than average correlation with
    left-handedness (Green & Young, 2001). Where the predisposition
    for transsexualism exists, psycho-social and other factors may subsequently
    play a role in the outcome, however, there is no evidence
    that nurturing and socialisation in contradiction to the phenotype can
    cause transsexualism, nor that nurture which is entirely consistent
    with the phenotype can prevent it (Diamond, 1996). There is further
    clear evidence from the histories of conditions involving anomalies
    of genitalia, that gender identity may resolve independently of
    genital appearance, even when that appearance and the assigned
    identity are enhanced by medical and social interventions (Imperato-
    McGinley et. al., 1974; Imperato-McGinley et. al., 1979a; Imperato-
    McGinley et. al., 1979b; Rsler & Kohn, 1983; Meyer-Bahlburg et al.,
    1996; Diamond, 1997; Diamond &Sigmundson, 1997; Kipnis & Diamond,
    1998; Reiner, 1999; Reiner, 2000). It is not possible to
    identify one single cause for transsexualism: rather, its causality is
    highly complex and multifactorial. The condition requires a careful
    diagnostic process, based largely on self-assessment, facilitated by
    a specialist professional.
    7. In conclusion, transsexualism is strongly associated with the neurodevelopment
    of the brain. (Zhou et. al., 1995; Kruijver et. al., 2000).
    The condition has not been found to be overcome by contrary socialisation,
    nor by psychological or psychiatric treatments alone (Green,
    1999). Individuals may benefit from an approach that includes a
    programme of hormones and corrective surgery to achieve realignment
    of the phenotype with the gender identity, accompanied by wellintegrated
    psychosocial interventions to support the individual and
    to assist in the adaptation to the appropriate social role (Green and
    Fleming, 2000). Treatments may vary, and should be commensurate
    with each individuals particular needs and circumstances.

    original authors are asteriskedg
    Dr Henk Asscheman, MD, PhD. (The Netherlands)*
    Professor Michael Besser, DSC, MD, FRCP, SmedSci. (UK)
    Dr Susan Carr, MPhil. MFFFP. DDRCOG. (UK)
    Professor dr Peggy Cohen-Kettenis PhD. (The Netherlands)
    Dr Pamela Connolly PhD. (USA)
    Professor dr Petra De Sutter, PhD. (Belgium)
    Professor Milton Diamond, PhD. (Chair) (USA)*
    Dr Domenico Di Ceglie, FRCPsych., DIP. PSICHIAT. (Italy) (Child Section)
    (UK)*
    Professor Louis Gooren, MD, PhD. (The Netherlands)
    Professor Richard Green, MD, JD, FRCPsych. (UK)
    Dr Lynne Jones, MP, PhD. (UK)
    Dr Frank Kruijver, MD. (The Netherlands)*
    Dr Joyce Martin, MRCGP, MB, ChB, D.Obst.RCOG. (UK)*
    Dr Zoe-Jane Playdon, BA(Hons), PGCE, MA, MEd, PhD, DBA, FRSA. (UK)*
    Mr David Ralph, MBBS, BSc, FRCS, MS. (UK)
    Mrs Terry Reed, JP, BA(Hons), MCSP, SRP, Grad Dip Phys. (UK)*
    Dr Russell Reid, MB, ChB, FRCPsych. (UK)*
    Professor William Reiner, MD. (USA)
    Mr M. Royle, MBBS, FRCS (Urol) (UK)
    Professor Dick Swaab , MD, PhD. (The Netherlands)
    Mr Timothy Terry, BSc, MB, BS, LRCP, FRCS (Urol), MS (UK)
    Mr Philip Thomas MBBS, FRCS (Urol). (UK)
    Professor James Walker, MD, FRCP, FRCOG. (UK)
    Dr Philip Wilson, DPhil MRCP MRCPCH FRCGP. (UK)
    Dr Kevan Wylie, MB, MmedSc, MD, FRCPsych, DSM. (UK)

    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
      October 28, 2010 1:19 PM BST
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  • Many transsexuals, therapists, human sexuality researchers, religious liberals, and others believe that transsexuality is determined before birth. Some believe that it is determined by one's DNA at conception. others hold to the theory that it is caused by irregular levels of sex hormones to which the fetus may be subjected. These beliefs are grounded in research into genes and traits of transsexuals.

     

    Cristine Shye

    Is transsexualism genetically determined?

    As noted elsewhere in this thread a transsexual is a person who experiences Gender Identity Disorder (a.k.a. Gender Dysphoria), Their genetic gender is different from their perceived gender. Some describe themselves as a woman trapped in a man's body, or vice versa.

    This disorder is rare. It generally causes serious personal conflicts and depression, often starting in pre-school children. Their level of frustration and anxiety is often so high that many become suicidally depressed. The rate of completed suicide for transsexuals was once believed to be about 50% by age 30. Since then, sex reassignment surgery (SRS) has become more widely accessible. Many transsexuals can now have their physical appearance modified to make them appear more like the gender that they feel they are. This surgery has been shown to be generally effective, and the suicide rate among transsexuals has apparently been greatly reduced.

    Religious conservatives generally believe that transsexuality is a chosen lifestyle to which a person can become addicted. The solution is therapy and prayer.

    The opinion of some gays, lesbians, and bisexuals towards the causes of transsexuality may be influenced by a desire to support their belief that sexual orientation is similarly genetically determined.

    Australian DNA study during 2008:

    Australian researcher Professor Vincent Harley has led an Australian-American study of transsexuality. He acknowledges that the cause(s) of transsexuality have been debated for years. He said:
    "There is a social stigma that transsexualism is simply a lifestyle choice. However our findings support a biological basis of how gender identity develops."

    He was the lead researcher in the an Australian-American genetic study of transsexuals -- the largest to date. Included were several research groups in Melbourne Australia and in the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA). It was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia, and the National Institutes of Health in the U.S.

    They compared DNA from 112 MTF (male-to-female) transsexuals with DNA from 250 males who did not experience gender dysphoria. Results of the study were published in the 2008-OCT-27 edition of the journal Biological Psychiatry.

    The researchers found that the transsexual subjects were more likely to have a longer version of the androgen receptor gene in their DNA.

    Lauren Hare, a researcher at Prince Henry's Institute said:

    "We think these genetic differences might reduce testosterone action and under-masculinize the brain during fetal development."

    "Studies in cells show the longer version of the androgen receptor gene works less efficiently at communicating the testosterone message to cells. Based on these studies, we speculate the longer version may also work less efficiently in the brain."

    Terry Reed from the Gender Identity Research and Education Society said:

    "This study appears to reinforce earlier studies which have indicated that, in some trans people, there may be a genetic trigger to the development of an atypical gender identity."

    "However, it may be just one of several routes and, although it seems extremely likely that a biological element will always be present in the aetiology of transsexualism, it's unlikely that developmental pathways will be the same in all individuals."

    Researcher Trudy Kennedy, director of the Monash Gender Dysphoria Clinic, said the study supported previous evidence that genetics and brain gender were important in transsexuality. She said:

    "This is something that people are born with and it's certainly not a lifestyle choice as some have suggested."


    Studies of fingerprints, left handedness, and ancestry of transsexuals:

    During 2000-JUL, Professor Richard Green, visiting professor of psychiatry at Imperial College in London, UK discussed transsexuality at the annual meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. His presentation was based on a study of 400 male-to-female (MTF) and 100 female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals in the late 1990s at the gender identity clinic in Charing Cross Hospital in London. His group determined that:


    Over 50% of transsexuals are left-handed -- many times that of the general population.
    Transsexuals had distinctive styles of ridged finger prints, and
    Transsexuals had more aunts than uncles on their mother's side.
    Male transexuals had more older brothers than average.

    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
    This post was edited by Cristine Jennifer Shye. BL at February 20, 2021 10:51 PM GMT
      October 28, 2010 1:24 PM BST
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  • Thanks for all your work and research concerning this article Cristine.
    I found it very informative, and I do not believe I have ever read such an article so well documented scientifically.
    It gives me something to really dwell on, and consider the variables that makeup a rational, physical and or psychological comprehension that faces a transgendered person when they come into this world with such a divided identity.
    I also do believe that THERE COULD, be a metaphysical reason that could clash with the scientific world, that may lurk into our predisposition, but that is entirely another thought .

    Thanks again for your probing, and relentless search for such an elusive explanation, Christine.

    Huggs...Tammy
    <p>A life without purpose, is a life without reason!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;myspace.com/tammybrianne</p>
      November 9, 2010 8:03 AM GMT
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  • Thankyou Tammy.

    Obviously I never wrote all of  it, presuming you have read my article on the home Page with regards to Reifensteins syndrome, well I'm off back to Addenbrooks, hospital on the 15 November to take part in ongoing research into the above articles. Where the term guinea pig came from I have no idea, but I have always wanted to learn more about my own condition, perhaps one day initial clinical testing of DNA for abnormalites will go some way to establishing and validate ones claims to GD and help the general public to be more accepting of a condition we struggle to understand amongst ourselves.

    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
    This post was edited by Cristine Jennifer Shye. BL at September 30, 2011 10:02 AM BST
      November 9, 2010 6:41 PM GMT
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  • Does your brain hurt as well?


    Zhou J-N, Swaab DF, Gooren LJ & Hofman MA. (1995) Sex Difference in the Human Brain and its Relation to Transsexuality. Nature 378, 68-70. “…in one of the human brain structures that is different between men and women, a totally female pattern was encountered in six male to female transsexual (people)…This was not due to cross-sex hormone treatment. These findings show that a biological structure in the brain distinguishes male to female transsexuals from men”;
    Male to female transsexuals have female neuron numbers in a limbic nucleus. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 85(5):2034-2041. “Regardless of sexual orientation, men had almost twice as many somatostatin neurons as women. The number of neurons in...male to female transsexuals was similar to that of the females…In contrast, the neuron number of female to male transsexuals was found to be in the male range…The present findings of somatostatin neuronal sex differences in the BSTc (a part of the brain) and its sex reversal in the transsexual brain clearly support the paradigm that in transsexuals sexual differentiation of the brain and genitals may go into opposite directions and point to a neurobiological basis of gender identity disorder.

    The term ‘transsexualism’ rather than ‘transsexuality’ is preferred, since the latter misleads by giving the impression that the issue here is ‘sexuality’, which it is not. Some individuals prefer to describe themselves as transgender, as a catch-all description of many gender/sex variations across a broad spectrum. Although the term ‘transsexual’ is still used as a noun, it is preferable to use it as an adjective—transsexual people—or, better still, is the use of the more up-to-date terminology, trans men and trans women, as used in this paper. The usage of all these terms is continuously changing, especially as our understanding and perceptions of the condition change. Some, having transitioned from assigned to core gender, do not identify as trans at all; understandably, they identify simply as men and women. The clinical definition of the condition is Gender Identity Disorder. This is regarded as stigmatising and should be avoided...........










    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
      December 11, 2010 5:58 PM GMT
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  • Nature Versus Nurture in Gender Identity

    Scientists and sociologists have argued for centuries over which influences people's personalities more: nature (genetics) or nurture (upbringing and cultural context).

    Contemporary feminist theory holds that, excluding biological sex characteristics, all "masculine" or "feminine" behavior is the product of culture. In the 1980s, Candace West and Don Zimmerman coined the term "doing gender" -- acting in accordance with male or female behavioral norms. A woman who uses flirtatious mannerisms, according to this theory, is doing so not as a result of genetics, but rather because she's performing feminism to fit in with social norms -- because of her nurture.

    But a recent study of male-to-female transsexuals -- people who have male genitalia but self-identify as females -- isolated a genetic peculiarity in its subjects.
    Genetic Basis for Transsexualism

    A transsexual is a person who does not identify with his or her biological sex. A male-to-female transsexual was born with male genitalia but self-identifies as a woman; a female-to-male transsexual was born with female genitalia but self-identifies as a man.

    In October 2008, researchers at several universities published a study where they had compared DNA samples from 112 Australian and American male-to-female transsexuals with samples from 250 typical men. The research -- led by Vincent Harley of Prince Henry's Institute in Melbourne, Australia -- focused on three genes encoding sex hormones. One of these three, the androgen receptor gene, was longer in transsexual subjects than in non-transsexual controls. The significance?

    A longer androgen receptor gene could reduce testosterone during brain development, a hormone vital for male sex characteristics and behavior. So if male-to-female transsexuals have longer androgen receptor genes, they might have less testosterone, the precursor to their female self-identification. If this biological explanation is true across the board, it argues against the possibility that transsexualism has no basis in genetics.


    The Long View

    Harley's study indicates that gender identity could have genetic roots, but it is important to keep these findings in perspective. First, the sample size -- at a little over 100 subjects -- was fairly small. Second, the study only examined three genes. And third, it would be imprudent to extrapolate from a study of a very specific subject group (male-to-female transsexuals) to make broader theorizations about gender identity without examining other populations. Similar to research on homosexuality genetics, it is not conclusive, but it does raise some interesting questions and opportunities for future research.

    http://Read more: http://[...]7p5Y29T
    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
      January 15, 2011 5:18 PM GMT
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  • Cris

    I think you've pulled together a really worthwhile collection of information, I recognise parts of it from things Ive read elsewhere.

    A very worthwhile thing you've done and it demonstrates how much closer we are to being able to argue our case from an indisputably concrete foundation.

    Fab

    Layla
      January 26, 2011 11:04 PM GMT
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  • A very good read Crissie, well done.

    It is nice to read these articles and information so we can all have a greater and better understanding of ourselves.

    With all the scientific research of understanding, so on and so forth I always remind myself that some people, even ourselves at times, try to use this information to put everyone into pigeonholes. Sometimes even more so within the trans community ie, you're this type of tranny or you are that type of tranny. Well, to me I think thats an awful situation to put anyone in and anyone who has that frame of mind maybe needs to think about their purpose of those actions.

    Crissie's post contains information and work that is very important and in an attempt to remain balanced the other 50% of my transgenderism focuses on my freedom of self determination and the fact that no one has the ability to define who I am, tell me who I am or force me to be something I am not. And I pity anyone who attempts to do so.

    Keep up the good work Crissie x.

    Lots of Love
    Penny
    xxx
    Just an ordinary girl finding her way in this strange life. - What will it take to get everyone to realise that everyone else is also a human being that deserves just as much respect? - How does someone tell their doctor they have hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia? - When I was a student I specialised in Alcopology. It always starts with Alco and always ends with pology. - Waiter! There's a hare in my rabbit pie!
      January 27, 2011 4:35 PM GMT
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  • Cristine,
    I have been doing some research concerning Reifensteins syndrome. In doing so, this statistic caught my attention, and wondered if you have any statistics similar to this.
    Your syndrome is quite interesting, and proving quite educational.
    Huggs...Tammy



    The syndrome is passed down through families (inherited). Women are not affected but may carry the gene. Males who inherit the gene from their mothers will have the condition. There is a 50% chance that a male child of a mother with the gene will be affected. Every female child has a 50% chance of carrying the gene. Family history is important in determining risk factors.

    The syndrome is estimated to affect 1 in 99,000 people.
    <p>A life without purpose, is a life without reason!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;myspace.com/tammybrianne</p>
      February 3, 2011 6:31 AM GMT
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  • Thankyou Tammy

    Yes it is also thought in some medical circles, that it can be attributed to even minor afflictions like low virility in males the inability to father children, whilst looking and to all intense and purpose being normal males, Its not necessarily congruent with gender identity
    disorders either.   So it will probably never be know what the true percentage of society is actually affected, its estimated that one in 180 M women carry the gene, and one in 30 odd million of the male children born to those women will inherit the condition.

    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
    This post was edited by Cristine Jennifer Shye. BL at September 4, 2012 12:49 PM BST
      February 3, 2011 9:15 AM GMT
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  • 1. Introduction The role of the androgen receptor in CNS masculinization or the absence of same in male feminisation

    The medial posterior region of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTMP) and the locus coeruleus (LC) show opposite patterns of sexual dimorphism. The BSTMP in males is greater in volume and number of neurons than in females (male N female) while in the LC, the opposite is true (female N male). To investigate the possible role of the androgen receptor (AR) in the masculinization of these two structures, males with the testicular feminization mutation (Tfm) were compared to their control littermate males. No differences were seen in the number of neurons of the BSTMP between Tfm and their control littermate males, while in the LC, Tfm males have a greater number of neurons than their control littermate males. These results show that the AR is involved in the control of neuron number in the LC but not in the BSTMP. Results based on the LC suggest that when females have a larger brain area than males, masculinization in males may be achieved through the AR, with androgens perhaps decreasing cell survival.

    Sex differences in the mammalian brain have two main characteristics: they often occur in neural circuits related
    to reproductive physiology and behavior and they are seen in two opposite morphological patterns In one
    pattern, males have greater volumes and/or number of neurons than females (male N female), while in the other, the opposite is true (female N male) Existing evidence suggest that gonadal androgens are involved in the development of sex differences in structures that are larger in males than in females,

    http://portal.uned.es/pls[...]CES.PDF
    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
      February 4, 2011 1:38 AM GMT
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  • The microstructure of white matter in male to female transsexuals brains before
    cross-sex hormonal treatment. A DTI study


    I don't even pretend to know what everything is. could be some form of spaghetti. but. you can get the gist of it.

    Transsexualism is an extreme form of gender identity disorder( American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Male to female (MtF)
    transsexuals are characterized by persistent cross-gender identification,discomfort with their assigned gender, cross-dressing and
    a search for hormonal and surgical sex reassignment to the desiredanatomical sex to become females. The etiology of transsexualism is unknown but biological variables could play a role in its development (Cohen-Kettenis and Gooren, 1999; Gooren, 2006; Swaab, 2004). Postmortem anatomical studies have shown that some subcortical structures are feminized in MtF transsexuals. The volume and the number of neurons of the central part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTc) and the third interstitial nucleus of the anterior hypothalamus (INAH3), which present sex differences in control subjects, are feminized in MtF transsexuals (Garcia- Falgueras and Swaab, 2008; Kruijver et al., 2000; Zhou et al., 1995). These studies all suggest that the feminization of the BSTc
    and the INAH3 in MtF transsexuals is related to neither their sexual orientation nor their cross-hormonal treatment.

    Conclusion
    In conclusion, our results show that the white matter microstructure
    pattern in untreated MtF transsexuals is intermediate
    between male and female controls. The direction of the differences
    suggests that some fasciculi do not complete the masculinization
    process during brain development before the individual seeks
    treatments.

    http://portal.uned.es/pls[...]11B.PDF

    http://www.newscientist.c[...]an.html

    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
      February 13, 2011 2:57 AM GMT
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  • A very interesting article Christine, concerning The microstructure of white matter.
    The scientific community keeps finding more reasons for gender identity to be a very blurred issue. Not so cut and dry as some would like it .
    If I may add another link, using the same data, but put into a reader friendly format, which you may have already read.

    Huggs ...Tammy

    http://neurologicalcorrel[...]female/
    <p>A life without purpose, is a life without reason!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;myspace.com/tammybrianne</p>
      February 23, 2011 6:07 AM GMT
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  • Cristine, thank you for this thread and your commitment to it. It's regrettable that medical confirmation of one's condition seems to arrive during an autopsy - this robs you of the chance to scream "I told you so!" Do your friends at Addenbrooks know of a test (blood / testosterone) that can provide any verification whilst you are alive? It would be lovely to place medical confirmation upon the same shelf as psychiatric qualification.
    Lastly, how anyone can suggest that transsexualism is a lifestyle choice when it screws you up so badly is ridiculous.
    Hugs
    Rachel
    a girl at heart and a proper person too
      February 23, 2011 8:26 AM GMT
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  • Hiya Rachel, Thankyou.

    Yes there are other tests, done by extracting a sample of spinal fluid, Testing for a hybrid or mutant gene in the DNA, The white matter described in the previous posts and new discoveries being made all the time only go to demonstrate, there are physical and clinical reasons for Gender dysphoria, apart from the its all in the mind or life style choice. The only trouble I can see for the future though, will a diagnosis depend on a clinical scientific evaluation and disregard the psychological aspect.
    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
      February 24, 2011 9:56 PM GMT
    0
  • Crissie


     


    I just found this article, which you were unable to find again, first time I have seen it. Well written and erudite.   something worth bringing up again for those just joining.    I think your dedication and research is exemplary.


     


    Love you.  (biased)

      July 9, 2011 10:06 AM BST
    0
  • http://www.identitygender.com/2011/02/03/gene-variant-for-enzyme-cytochrome-p17-linked-to-transsexuality.html

     

     

     

     

    Linda Geddes, of New Scientist, cites the research of scientists at Medical University of Vienna, Austria, who discovered a gene variant in the enzyme Cytochrome P17 that controls the metabolism of sex hormones.  The presence of the gene variation could "cause higher than average tissue concentrations of male and female sex hormones, which may in turn influence early brain development."  The proportion of MtF transsexuals with it was similar to control males, but 44% of FtM transsexuals had it, versus 31% of non-transsexual women.

     

     

     

    This variant is insufficient to imply direct causality for transsexualism, but "the finding raises the possibility that the variant makes women more likely to feel their bodies are of the wrong sex." "If other gene variants with a stronger association to transsexuality are identified, establishing a diagnosis might become easier.This might allow gender reassignment surgery or hormone therapy to start earlier in life,

     

    The research by Drs. Hare, Bernard, Sanchez, Baird, Vilain, Kennedy, and Harley in Australia complements the MRI studies taking place at UCLA, indicative of significant brain gray matter activity in pre-hormonally treated male-to-female transsexuals that has similarities to cisgender females.  Although there is insufficient data to fully comprehend the phenomena of transgenderism, it is clear that there are significant genetic and brain morphology differences in male-to-female transsexuals, even prior to hormone treatments, that may be significant, if not determinant, antecendants to transsexualism.

     

     

    A male-to-female transsexualism gene was discovered in Oct 2008 and discussed by Emma Young in commentary in New Scientist. 
     
    A full article was published in 2009 regarding the nature of androgen receptor polymorphism associated with male-to-female transsexualism.
    Hare, L., Bernard, P., Sanchez, F.J., Baird, P.N., Vilain, E., Kennedy, T. and Harley, V.R. (2009) Androgen receptor repeat length polymorphism associated with male-to-female transsexualism.  Biological Psychiatry,

     

    Hopefully, in all the studies, discoveries, it will not become a prerequisite for treatment, surgery and all that entails soley on the results of DNA samples and brain scans.

    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
    This post was edited by Cristine Jennifer Shye. BL at April 11, 2015 11:30 AM BST
      September 22, 2011 12:36 PM BST
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  • What a fascinating article, and impressive variety of research, obviously science is begining to provide people with clues as to 'how we're made', 'what we are' and 'how we're programmed' ... I can claim it all make sense, but it 'feels' as if the research is producing going along in the right direction. This article does go some way toward explaining why we should avoid 'sex and stick to 'gender' - you can go 'off sex' ... while 'gender' is inescapable!


    Forgive me if I pose a dumb question, but does all that research alter how trans-people feel about/percieve themselves?  Is research similar to this likely to lead to a change in social attitudes, or even some sort of accomodation/acceptence?  On a personal level, I don't think science alone has enough influence to counteract centuries of prejudice, propaganda and fear ... me thinks people are needed to make that seismic shift.  Hormones are the engines that drive the bus, but the question remains - who is at the wheel? Mum, dad, SO, god, relatives, peers, perhaps all of the above?


    "Je pense donc je suis," to quote Mr. Descates.

    <p>Humanity is proof have evolved - transgenderism is proof we haven't evolved enough&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>"I ask myself, in mercy, or in common sense, if we cannot alter the conviction to fit the body, should we not, in certain circumstances, alter the body to fit the conviction?&rdquo; &ndash; Harry Benjamin [endocrinologist]</p>
      October 1, 2011 12:32 AM BST
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  • Al


     


    Is research similar to this likely to lead to a change in social attitudes, or even some sort of accomodation/acceptence? 


     


    I think eventually it will be recognised and ''put up with'' same as Dwarfism, and  other birth defects.    As far as social acceptance goes, an insight into that is another article I put together Heteronormativity. so these two subjects are congruent with each other, both sides of the coin.

    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
      October 1, 2011 12:52 AM BST
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  • Hi Cristine, sadly I have to agree with you ... the level of tolerance is quite superficial, trending toward shallow.   


    While I value research and your articles are well thought out, sourced and structured, unfortunately the latest research is almost always behind 'the curve' ... a bit like media reporting.  


     


    "Recognition leads to toloration, toloration leads to representation, which in turn leads to taxation, taxation gives way to vexation and frustration, which in turn demands recognition ..."       


     

    <p>Humanity is proof have evolved - transgenderism is proof we haven't evolved enough&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>"I ask myself, in mercy, or in common sense, if we cannot alter the conviction to fit the body, should we not, in certain circumstances, alter the body to fit the conviction?&rdquo; &ndash; Harry Benjamin [endocrinologist]</p>
      October 1, 2011 2:16 AM BST
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  • Genetic basis for transsexualism
    Deborah Smith - Sydney Morning Herald - October 27, 2008

    http://www.martinfrost.ws/htmlfiles/oct2008/genetic-basis-transsexualism.html
    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
      February 1, 2012 9:41 AM GMT
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  • Very interesting read Cristine. As usual a very informative post from you. I find the statistical studies concerning traits TS often have very interesting . I wish I could get the brain scans just to see where i fall lol. My mother always told me she swore she was having a girl because she said she felt differently while carrying me then when she carried my first 2 brothers. She always told me as a baby my disposition was very calm and I was a sweet baby. Who knows ! :) It sure is interesting. I fit a few of those traits you listed even though I'm a righty. Another trait I have herd that has scientific backing is the index finger length verses ring finger length. Apparently many TS have longer index fingers then rings. My index way outstretch the ring fingers on both hands. Apparently this is a result of prenatel hormones the fetus is bathed in. High levels of androgens and estrogens seem to affect this. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digit_ratio#Transsexualism One question though. Anyone know what "rigid fingerprints" are?? Neat stuff! xxx Jessica

    Jessica Nova
    This post was edited by Jessica Nova at February 3, 2012 9:40 AM GMT
      February 3, 2012 7:38 AM GMT
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  • ThIs explains why I am left handed. Wow
      March 4, 2012 7:15 AM GMT
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  • 1195
    Thanks - this answers my lifelong question of why I'm life handed too.
    <p>If it isn't fun - don't do it.</p>
      March 8, 2012 6:21 PM GMT
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  • Definition and Synopsis of the Etiology of Adult Gender Identity Disorder and Transsexualism

    1.Gender Identity Disorder is defined as an incongruence between the physical phenotype and the gender identity[1], that is, the self identification as male or female. The experience of this incongruence is termed Gender Dysphoria. The most extreme form, in which individuals need to adapt their phenotype with hormones and surgery to make it congruent with their gender identity, is called transsexualism[2], Those individuals experiencing this condition are referred to as trans people, that is, trans men (female to male) and trans women (male to female).

    2.Transsexualism can be considered to be a neuro-developmental condition of the brain. Several sexually dimorphic nuclei have been found in the hypothalamic area of the brain (Allen & Gorski, 1990; Swaab et. al., 2001). Of particular interest is the sexually dimorphic limbic nucleus called the central subdivision of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTc) which appears to become fully volumetrically sexually differentiated in the human brain by early adulthood. This nucleus has also been found to be sexually dimorphic in other mammalian and avian species (Miller et. al., 1989; Grossmann et. al., 2002). In human males the volume of this nucleus is almost twice as large as in females and its number of neurons is almost double (P <0.006) (Zhou et. al., 1995; Kruijver et. al., 2000; Chung et. al., 2002).

    3. The Kruijver et. al. study, cited above, indicates that in the case of transsexualism this nucleus has a sex-reversed structure. This means that in the case of trans women (n=7), the size of this nucleus and its neuron count was found to be in the same range as that of the female controls (n=13) and, therefore, women in the general population. In the only available brain of a trans man, the volume and structure of this nucleus was found to be in the range of the male controls (n=21) and, therefore, men in the general population. It is hypothesised that this male-like BSTc will be present in other trans men as well. These findings were independent of sexual orientation and of the use of exogenous sex hormones. In the 42 human brains collected for this study, the BSTc was found to have a structure concordant with the psychological identification as male or female. It is inferred that the BSTc is an important part of a sexually dimorphic neural circuit, and that it is involved in the development of gender identity (Kruijver et. al., 2000).

    4. Sexual differentiation of the mammalian brain starts during fetal development and continues after birth (Kawata, 1995; Swaab et. al., 2001). It is hypothesised that in humans, in common with all other mammals studied, hormones significantly influence this dimorphic development although, at present, the exact mechanism is incompletely understood. It is also postulated that these hormonal effects occur at several critical periods of development of the sexual differentiation of the brain during which gender identity is established, initially during the fetal period, then around the time of birth; and also post-natally. Factors which may contribute to an altered hormone environment in the brain at the critical moments in its early development might include genetic influences (Landèn, 1999; Coolidge et. al, 2002) and/or medication, environmental influences (Diamond et. al., 1996; Whitten et. al., 2002), stress or trauma to the mother during pregnancy (Ward et. al., 2002; Swaab et. al., 2002).

    5. Gender identity usually continues along lines which are consistent with the individual's phenotype, however, a very small number of children experience their gender identity as being incongruent with their phenotype. Adult outcomes in such cases are varied and cannot be predicted with certainty. It is only in a minority of these children that, regardless of phenotypical socialisation and nurture, this incongruence will persist into adulthood and manifest as transsexualism (Green, 1987; Ekins, 1997; Prosser, 1998; Di Ceglie, 2000; Ekins & King, 2001; Bates, 2002).

    6. As stated, in trans people, a sex-reversed BSTc has been found. The findings of a specific sex-reversed brain organisation in trans people provides evidence consistent with the concept of a biological element in the etiology of transsexualism. The evidence for an innate biological predisposition is supported by other studies, one example of which, indicates a higher than average correlation with left-handedness (Green & Young, 2001). Where the predisposition for transsexualism exists, psycho-social and other factors may subsequently play a role in the outcome, however, there is no evidence that nurturing and socialisation in contradiction to the phenotype can cause transsexualism, nor that nurture which is entirely consistent with the phenotype can prevent it (Diamond, 1996). There is further clear evidence from the histories of conditions involving anomalies of genitalia, that gender identity may resolve independently of genital appearance, even when that appearance and the assigned identity are enhanced by medical and social interventions (Imperato-McGinley, 1979; Rösler & Kohn, 1983; Diamond, 1997; Diamond & Sigmundson, 1997; Kipnis & Diamond, 1998; Reiner, 1999; Reiner, 2000). It is not possible to identify one single cause for transsexualism: rather, its causality is highly complex and multifactorial. The condition requires a careful diagnostic process, based largely on self-assessment, facilitated by a specialist professional.

    7. In conclusion, transsexualism is stongly associated with the neurodevelopment of the brain. (Zhou et. al., 1995; Kruijver et. al., 2000). The condition has not been found to be overcome by contrary socialisation, nor by psychological or psychiatric treatments alone (Green, 1999). Individuals may benefit from an approach that includes a programme of hormones and corrective surgery to achieve realignment of the phenotype with the gender identity, accompanied by well-integrated psychosocial interventions to support the individual and to assist in the adaptation to the appropriate social role (Green and Fleming, 2000). Treatments may vary, and should be commensurate with each individual's particular needs and circumstances.

    [1] The term 'gender identity' is used, in the UK, to indicate the self-identification as male or female. However, terminology varies around the world, and the term 'sexual identity' is preferred by many in the US. (pace Professor Milton Diamond). See "Sex and Gender are different: Sexual Identity & Gender Identity are Different", (2000) Clinical Psychology & Psychiatry, Vol 7 (3):320-334.

    [2] The transsexual condition is also referred to in various ways (Diamond M, 2002 In Press) "What's In a Name? Some terms used in the discussion of Sex and Gender". Transgender Tapestry.

    n.b.The UK government recognises that transsexualism is not a mental illness. See Lord Chancellor's Department - government policy concerning transsexual people.

    Cristine Jennifer Shye.  B/L.  B/Acc
      April 10, 2012 6:58 PM BST
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