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!