There's a lot of 
misinformation out there

about what it means
to be a transgender

but recently,
Scientists have begun to look into

the Neurology, Physiology, and 
Psychology

behind it.

So today we're gonna

break down what 
Science does know

in a respectful and educational way

Hey guys! I'm Gigi Gorgeous and,

today, I'm here with 
ASAPScience

to break down Science 
of Being Transgender

Before we get to deep into it,

we have to look at your genetic sex.

Or the chromosomes you have.

These were determine 
right at fertilization

When the sperm cell from your father

which carries an 'X' or a 'Y' chromosome

fuse with the egg from your mother,
which carries an 'X' chromosome.

But until 6 or 7 weeks 
after fertilization,

both 'XY' and 'XX' embryos

have identical Gonads.

Around 7 weeks

the male sex organs start to develop

because of a gene on 'Y' chromosome

called 'SRY'

It causes cells to become more specialized

and these cells create 'Testosterone'

which in turn triggers 
the development

of structure like the penis & scrotum

while other cells block female

development by degenerating
the female ducts.

However, 
in female development,

because there is no

'Y' chromosome
with the 'SRY' gene

These ducts stay intact 
and become

the uterus cervix, 
upper vagina, and the oviduct

with the help of Estrogen, & 
chemicals secreted

by the early kidney.

but, it's not always
that simple,

there are sometimes even 
RARE COMBINATIONS

like 'XXY',

'XXX'

'XXYY' etc.

And even people
with 'XX" Chromosomes

that develop male genitals
& characteristics

due to a piece of the 'Y' 
chromosome breaking off,

and switching places to 
an 'X' chromosome.

But SEXUAL DIFFERENTIATION 
in a brain, actually

happens much later 
than Gonadal Differentiation.

And yes, 
although controversial

Male and Female 
brains have structural

and functional differences
between each other.

Studies have found

that males generally

have a larger cerebrum
cerebellum.

and hippo campus.

While females have

higher density left frontal lobe,

and larger volumes

in the right frontal lobe.

So what exactly do we see 
when we look at the brain?

of a transgender person?

Several studies have shown that

transgender brains
are both

structurally and functionally

more similar to their experienced
gender identity

than their biological sex.

One study found that transwomen who

despite being assigned male at birth

had a smaller female size structure
in the hypothalamus.

MRI scans also show the

brain structures of trans people

to be more similar in thickness into their

experienced gender and not their sex.

Finally, the pheromone
Androstadienone

causes
different hypothalamic

responses in male 
and female brains

And, when individuals

with Gender Dysphoria
were exposed to it,

hypothalamic response

matches their perceived gender

rather than their sex.

These studies help to 
highlight how

masculinization or 
feminization

of the Gonads is not 
always the same as the brain

and that there's a difference between

your sex or your anatomy
& gender

or how you perceived 
your own body.

There also seems to be

a genetic component 
to transgender identity.

Looking at family histories

of gender identity 
incongruence

seems to run in the family,

meaning they maybe inherited

The 'CYP17' gene which controls

the body's level of sex hormones

has a changed allele that is expressed

frequently in trans man.

Although, more 
research could be done,

scientists are currently
at looking over

3 Million DNA Markers 
for transgender identity

to investigate any genetic 
link for being trans.

Even though scientific studies

validate the experience
of transgender people

There's still more suffering from

depression and anxiety 
than the general public.

The risk of suicide

is more prominent in transgender people

who have been rejected by their family

discriminated in their workplace,

or in health care.

Sucide risks seems to

decreased after gender transitioning.

Suggesting that gender dysphoria can cause

an extreme amount of emotional pain

even to the point of suicide.

If you, a family member, or a friend is

suffering from gender dysphoria ,

there are few links in the description

for more information.

Thank you so much 
for being part of this video,

it means so much and we're happy

you were here to do this with us.

GIGI: Ah, thank you guys for 
using your channel,

your 
experiences

validating transgender
with science

which brings us closer 
to equality.

Mitch: Absolutely

If you guys wanna 
check out Gigi's Channel

we'll put links in the 
description

or on the screen 
somewhere. Otherwise,

you can subscribe 
for Science here

every week, and we'll 
see you next time. PEACE!