Transgenderism is a biological reality

[Oddball]

Can you explain how the BNST relates to gender identity?


The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis or BNST is a cluster of neurons located in the hypothalamus that plays an important role in regulating sexual arousal, reward processing related to sex, and hormonal influences on pleasure and motivation. Research suggests the BNST may also relate to gender identity in the following ways:
• The BNST develops sensitivity to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen during puberty and responds to changes in hormone levels throughout life. This suggests it could integrate experiences of sexual maturation with gender identity development during adolescence.
• BNST volume differs between men and women, with men typically having a larger volume. Findings that trans women have an intermediate BNST volume between cis men and women, and trans men have a male-typical BNST volume, propose this region aligns more with gender identity than biology sex.
• The BNST helps process cues related to sex, rewards the anticipation and experience of sexual pleasure, and regulates libido - all of which relate deeply to concepts of sex, gender and sexuality. Distinct BNST responses in trans and cis individuals could underlie differences in how they experience and conceive of these dimensions.
• Interactions between the BNST, hormones, arousal, and reward suggest it helps create links between the physical/visceral, psychological, and social aspects of sexuality and gender. In this way, the BNST may integrate biology,identity, relationships and experiences related to sex and gender. Differences in trans individuals could reflect a distinct integration.
• Neuroimaging studies have found BNST activation in response to cues that match one's identified gender or sexual orientation, rather than biology sex. This provides further evidence this region associates more closely with felt experiences of sex and gender versus physical sex characteristics.
• The BNST develops parallel to and influences the development of other regions involved in embodiment, cognition of self, memory and social processing - all crucial for the development of identity, sexuality and gender concepts. Interactions between these regions, including the BNST, likely shape the multifaceted nature of sex and gender identity.
In summary, the BNST is a key part of biological systems that regulate sexuality and may anchor experiences of gender in motivation, arousal, pleasure, and reward. Differences in BNST structure/function could provide a mechanism for linking the biological with the social and psychological aspects of gender identity. However, while intriguing, much more research is still needed to validate BNST-identity relationships, determine their meaning and multifaceted nature, and understand how they may differ for people of various gender identities versus biology sex. The BNST contributes to sex and gender in complex, nuanced ways - it does not determine identity. An integrated, intersectional perspective is needed to fully understand its role.
Does this help explain how the BNST relates to gender identity according to current perspectives and findings? Let me know if you have any other questions. I can also suggest resources for learning more about the BNST and its role in sexuality/gender if needed.

 

[Bob Blaylock]

Alas, it will be very difficult for Stormlover née matthew to get the help that he truly needs, as Dr. Kevorkian has been unavailable for years.

 

[CarlinAnnArbor]

Mengele and Kevorkian were doctors too.

"Doctors do?"

 

[Hossfly]

The only thing out of all the OPs diatribes that makes sense to me is that the males who want to transition to females have their brains in their nut sack. Prove me wrong.

 

[CarlinAnnArbor]

THIS is biological science