On the quest for a biomechanism of transsexualism: is there a role for BDNF?

Abstract

Previous studies hypothesized a neurobiological mechanism for gender identity disorder (GID). Recently a possible role for serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was suggested on the basis of reduced serum BDNF levels in male-to-female individuals. Here we review the question whether there is indeed a role of BDNF in the development of transsexualism.

Keywords: Gender identity disorder; Male to female; Neurobiology; Neuroplasticity; Transgender; Transsexual.