A psycho-endocrinological overview of transsexualism

Is prenatal exposure to DES associated with transsexualism in males?

2001 Study Abstracts

The technical possibility of surgical sex change has opened up a debate concerning the legitimacy and utility of carrying out such an intervention at the request of the transsexual. Diagnostic, psychological, medical and ethical arguments have been brought forth, both for and against.

A psycho-endocrinological overview of transsexualism, European Journal of Endocrinology, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, NCBI PubMed PMID: 11580991, 2001 Oct.

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Nonetheless, anatomical transformation by surgical means has currently become a practice as the frequency of serious gender identity disorders is constantly progressing.

After a brief introduction, the present paper will consider typological, aetiological and epidemiological aspects of transsexualism. Treatment of the sex change applicant is then defined and discussed in terms of psychological, psychiatric, endocrinological and surgical aspects. Finally, the question of post-operation follow-up will be examined.

…”Gender identity disorders may be the consequence of an atypical hormonal environment such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, resistance to androgens or even exogenous hormonal impregnation (the absorption of diethylstilboestrol treatment during pregnancy). In the majority of cases, these subjects do not develop towards transsexualism. Some researchers have documented changes in behaviour (e.g. behaving as a tomboy) and sexual orientation in these subjects, although others have not done so.” …

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