Several published studies in the medical literature on psycho-neuro-endocrinology have examined the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to estrogens (including Diethylstilbestrol) may cause significant developmental impact on sexual differentiation of the brain, and on subsequent behavioural and gender identity development in exposed males and females. There is significant evidence linking prenatal hormonal influences on gender identity and transsexual development.
There is a possible connection between DES exposure and gender variance
In 1999, Dr. Scott Kerlin (founder of the DES Sons International Network) began researching the effects of Di-Ethyl Stilbestrol® on the health of genetic males who had been exposed prenatally. A substantial amount of research had been done on women who had been exposed but relatively little had been done on men and DES sons. When it became apparent that a significant portion of his research group were either transsexual, transgendered or intersexed, he began to explore the possibility of a connection between prenatal DES exposure and gender variance. Dr. Kerlin is not the first researcher to note a correlation between DES exposure and feminized behaviour in genetic males; studies go back as far as 1973. However, Dr. Kerlin has delved much deeper than those who came before.
Radio Interview: DES Exposure and Gender Variance
Listen to KWMR Radio Interview with Dr. Dana Beyer on the side effects of Diethylstilbestrol and its influence on gender identity
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Dr. Dana Beyer is the medical advisor and web manager of the DES Sons International Network, on the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds such as Diethylstilbestrol, DDT, phthalates and bisphenol A, on human sexuality and reproduction, as well as providing personal support and mentoring. In 2005 she presented a breakthrough paper, with her colleagues Dr. Scott Kerlin and Dr. Milton Diamond, to the International Behavioural Development Symposium, delineating the impact Di-Ethyl Stilbestrol® has had in causing intersex and gender variations in human beings.
I understand this is a sensitive and controversial matter but I feel it is important to bring this issue to light and break the wall of silence around what is still nowadays considered as “taboo”. I would like to invite all DES exposed individuals who have a knowledge of DES exposure and gender identity either through research or personal experience to share their comments and stories.
Take the survey: DES Sons – the Truth and the Unknown
Sources: DES Sons International Network, TransAdvocate.org
So interesting!
Sally K Witt, Social Media and Ministry
Thank you for this very important article, Domino. Here in Australia, the Chameleon Society (WA) is conducting an Australia-wide survey about the extent of DES exposure/usage among those affected by gender issues. This survey for Australians is found at Chameleons WA Discussion Forum.
Hopefully, as more Australians view your blog, your highlighting this topic will encourage participation in the “survey with regard to Diethylstilboestrol”. Good on you, Domino.
Carol Devine, DES Exposure Australia
Thank you so very much for your contributions to helping raise further awareness regarding DES Sons. We are always grateful to others who wish to further understand the full range of effects of DES exposure. Interested individuals are encouraged to join our network discussion forum
With regards,
Scott Kerlin, Ph.D.
DES Sons International Network (U.S./Canada)
Dr. Kerlin et al,
Thank you for bringing this issue to light. I am a DES son whose recent health problems match some of what your study found. I have tried to join the DES Sons International group but can’t seem to find out how to apply to join. Thanks for any help you can offer.
Hi, Michael (and others who share interest in this discussion topic):
You are welcome to join our DES Sons Group, which has nearly 300 subscribers at the present time. I apologize for the complications with the “join” feature on the group, as Yahoo has now made the group private. To join, just send an email to skerlin2000@yahoo.com and as soon as I receive it, I will submit your name to the subscriber list.
Thanks so much for writing!
Scott
eMail
Thanks for researching and sharing such important information.
Anne Thomas