10 Facts About Transgender You Should Know

2. Causes

Although research is still underway to determine what causes someone to be transgender, recent findings indicate that it may occur in the womb. In utero, sexual anatomy develops within the first six weeks. Later, at around six months gestation, the brain either is or is not exposed to a surge of testosterone. These processes are independent of one another. Sexual organs form and, months later, the brain is either masculinized or feminized by the presence or absence of hormones. There is no evidence that environment (nurture) affects either gender or sexual orientation.