Abstract
The biopsychosocial etiology of gender dysphoria is poorly understood, but current thought suggests a complex interaction of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and differences in brain development and physiology. Twin studies have implicated a genetic role in the formation of gender identity. Congruence for gender dysphoria is more common among monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins. We present a case of monozygotic (identical) triplets who have each transitioned from female to male under the care of a university transgender health service. Each triplet experienced gender dysphoria from childhood and has undergone transitional endocrine care and various aspects of gender-affirming surgery. Although a pure genetic or biological component cannot be attributed as a cause of their gender dysphoria with absolute certainty since the triplets were raised together, this unusual case of gender dysphoria among a set of monozygotic triplets adds support for a heritable role in gender identity formation.
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All authors contributed to background research and construction of the paper. Dr. Kauffman provided endocrine medical care and wrote the first draft. All authors commented on revised the manuscript and provided revisions. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Kauffman, R.P., Guerra, C., Thompson, C.M. et al. Concordance for Gender Dysphoria in Genetic Female Monozygotic (Identical) Triplets. Arch Sex Behav 51, 3647–3651 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02409-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02409-1