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This research was done for the Richmond, VA metropolitan area in the USA, but it should provide the name of tests for other TG persons to determine any genetic component that might be affecting their personal gender issues.
I finally was able to catch up with the VCU Genetics Lab for costs. This is what they reported. The cost for karyotype (the number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell. The term is also used for the complete set of chromosomes in a species, or an individual organism) testing without insurance is $700-800. She also said that individuals could do a FISH analysis to just look at the sex chromosomes which typically is $300-400. If someone has VCC (an affordable care program for uninsured persons. This info may provide insight into other areas with similar medical programs) and is referred by a physician and it is medically necessary than the testing will be covered. Other insurances will vary depending on reasoning for testing and whether the provider will cover or how much.
So a ballpark figure for the tests and what their specific names are. I hope this is of assistance to those questioning their genetic issues and how to resolve them. Remember, however, that the key component in TG/TS identity is your feelings. Knowing your genetic structure can help resolve some issues (such as why you have breasts or abnormal genital structure) but your gender is in your brain. Nobody should decide what your gender is but you and your therapist.
You might find your able to save fees/costs by partaking in studies conducted by investigative specialist clinics. I attended addenbrooks hospital in Cambridge UK, a specialist gene clinic.
an extract from my studies and research:- http://gendersociety.com/forums/topic/7790/synopsis-of-the-etiology-of-gend if your looking for reasons and understanding.
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
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.
"Curing" my Transgenderism sits pretty much just behind ECT as something I would kill to stop. Thanks for the Brit side of the Pond info, Christine. While the FISH test will only help, for some girls/guys it may help confirm what they know/suspect already. Hopefully karyotype testing will evolve to test for the less obvious, but surely present, other genetic components that can trigger a transgender fetus. The pathways are so many and complex and any chemist can tell you that reactions often have multiple products, often mathematically predictable as a percentage.
