Question

A very small number of studies comparing transgender and cisgender brains. In particular, researchers across Europe are interested in the effects of hormone treatments on the adult brain. The results are described below and are in comparison to a control group of cisgender people (i.e., transgender man compared to a cisgender man). For each result please describe the behavioral change that might be associated with this change in brain structure. For instance, if the part of the brain that changed was the posterior pituitary there could be a change in hormonal activity and the behaviors regulated by that hormone (10 points).

Administration of Testosterone to transgender men led to a thickened cortex

Administration of Estrogen and antiandrogen to transgender women led to a thinning of the cortex

Administration of Testosterone to transgender men led to an increase in the medial temporal lobe.

Administration of Testosterone to transgender men led to an increase in the cerebellum.

Answer 1

Transgender hormonal therapy is a form of giving sex hormone to the transgender to get The peculiar changes in them to acwiacquire the desired sex.

According to research it clearly states that the administration of testosterone thickens the cortex with increased connectivity of temporal parietal junction of brain area .The size of cerebellum increases depending upon the duration of treatment.

Similarly a treatment for more than 6 months with Estrogen and sntisndrogen in transgender female thins the cortex and decreases brain size.

Pituitary gland is the major gland for hormonal producyion and regulationsvin tgr body.If there is a change happening in posterior pituitary which is a part of endocrine system. It is the one which is responsible for producing oxytocin in women and vasopressin.The vasopressin undersecretion leads to diabetes insipidus and oversecrection leads to Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.

Similarly the disturbances when occurs in oxytocin due to sex hormone therapy it may lead to dysfunction of the uterus and mammary glands.

Behavioural leads signals to functional changes during hormone therapy. It strengthens the reproductive organs.Epinephrine is released when there is a sudden exposure to stressful situations.A gonodotrophin and testosterone hormone are released when there is feel for mating.Adrenal steroid secretion happens after physical activity.

Thus the sex hormone therapy has a direct impact on the posterior pituitary leading to hormonal and behavioural changes.