I have some questions about intersexuality

[em444]

Hi everyone, I'm new around here. I'm not intersex as far as I know but still have some questions:

Can you be intersex at a genetic level (chromosomes) and still have no phenotypical  or physical manifestations? Or is there always something that shows? Which tests must be done to investigate genetic intersexuality? I just would like to know whether there's some genetic cause for my gender-identity "issues"/questioning.

[Jessica Merriman]

You might check out "Klinefelters Syndrome" online. I was just karyotype tested for it, but results take a while. They did the test because of my childhood history and some current issue's. Basically patients have an extra chromosome that makes every body cell male/female. It is called (47 XXY), but there are several variations. 

[LordKAT]

Mosaicism perhaps

[JLT1]

Hi everyone, I'm new around here. I'm not intersex as far as I know but still have some questions:

Can you be intersex at a genetic level (chromosomes) and still have no phenotypical  or physical manifestations? Or is there always something that shows? Which tests must be done to investigate genetic intersexuality? I just would like to know whether there's some genetic cause for my gender-identity "issues"/questioning.

The answer is a definite "yes".  There are twenty some types of intersex.  Some are genetic and some are hormonal while others can be caused by external influences (e.g. DES daughters or DES sons).  Some have physical manifestations like malformed genitals while some have no real visible physical aspects.  It all depends.

There was an interesting article in the November issue of Science on changes in the human brain during development, including chromosomal changes that are independent other genetic aspects.  That, to me, bespeaks possibilities of a genetic explanation for many Transgendered individuals.  However, what difference does it really make?  You are what you are.  Medical science may have an explanation or it may not.  It is not all knowing.  Be what you are. 

Tests – wow.  There are a bunch of different tests.  Do you have any symptoms of something???

[genderhell]

However, what difference does it really make?  You are what you are.  Medical science may have an explanation or it may not.  It is not all knowing.  Be what you are. 

It would not seem to matter, however, another TS person posted here that in my state of Michigan,USA the name change documents require the doctor to list either A) Trans or B) Intersex. Two different forms. For some reason the state government wants to make a difference.

Anyone want IS testing can try to use the University hospital and see if they will test you as part of their research so it is free. I got free testing. I had many signs though. They said I have chromosomal intersex defect.

This is what IS means to me, I have autism, delayed learning, did not learn to write until about age twenty-six, did not speak well until about age thirty-two, speech is still difficult, feminized bone structure body, most noticeably small hands that I caught many doctors staring at, and my skin is highly estrogenized since youth, enduring youthful appearance.

[JLT1]

It would not seem to matter, however, another TS person posted here that in my state of Michigan,USA the name change documents require the doctor to list either A) Trans or B) Intersex. Two different forms. For some reason the state government wants to make a difference.

Anyone want IS testing can try to use the University hospital and see if they will test you as part of their research so it is free. I got free testing. I had many signs though. They said I have chromosomal intersex defect.

This is what IS means to me, I have autism, delayed learning, did not learn to write until about age twenty-six, did not speak well until about age thirty-two, speech is still difficult, feminized bone structure body, most noticeably small hands that I caught many doctors staring at, and my skin is highly estrogenized since youth, enduring youthful appearance.

Well,

I guess I could have phrased that better....Something like"If it isn't impacting your health, what difference does it make?" 

What does it mean to me?  Delayed learning – they used to say I was "retarded".  Got to close to average by the time I hit high school.  Flunked out of college on my first try.  Finally, the brain matured when I was around 27.  Finished college that second try and went off for a PhD in chemistry, which I finished.  Can't have children because I'm sterile.  I have the feminized bone structure and I break easily – 26 fractures plus 11 surgeries on other parts to keep them working.  I need to deal with a couple issues before I can finish my transition so I'm stuck.  I've also lived longer with this than anyone has before.  And, yes, I can go on.  Yet it means even more to you.

I am truly sorry.  I've been feeling sorry for myself because I'm stuck.  And in pain.  And afraid.  I got flippant.  Thank you for reminding me that I actually have it moderately good.  And my body heals really well (lucky there!).

So. I'll stop being flippant and frustrated.  My question now  for "Genderhell" is "What can I do to help you?"

Asking for forgiveness,

Jen

[genderhell]

Well,

So. I'll stop being flippant and frustrated.  My question now  for "Genderhell" is "What can I do to help you?"

Asking for forgiveness,

Jen

Oh no. I feel so bad now.  I am sorry.

I am autistic and autism means order, and precision when I write. That is my writing style. I did not intend to be mean  All my posts I point out facts as I see them, and I did not intend to imply that you are trivializing IS people. I *never* hurt others. It is pointless to argue or get angry on here. I have been tortured my entire life. People say I am the nicest person.

Finally, the brain matured when I was around 27.

Yes, developmentally delayed. Have you been tested for high-functioning autism ?  People with autism might react like you cause they lack social awareness, so they might read into a response. The admin would never let me write like I do on an autism message board.

PHD IN CHEMISTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!

With regards to what you wrote about "mentally-retarded". About six months ago my jerk neighbor called the police on me about my dog, and said I am mentally-retarded, and the policeman asked me that when he came. The policeman asked me that like six times because he did not like my answer. They still use that term.

You cannot help me. I am a ruined human being.

Thank you though. 

[genderhell]

Well,

So. I'll stop being flippant and frustrated.  My question now  for "Genderhell" is "What can I do to help you?"

Asking for forgiveness,

Jen

Oh no. I feel so bad now.  I am sorry.

I am autistic and autism means order, and precision when I write. That is my writing style. I did not intend to be mean  All my posts I point out facts as I see them, and I did not intend to imply that you are trivializing IS people. I *never* mean to hurt others. It is pointless to argue or get angry on here. I have been tortured my entire life. People say I am the nicest person.

Yes, developmentally delayed. Have you been tested for high-functioning autism ?  People with autism might react like you cause they lack social awareness, so they might read into a response. The admin would never let me write like I do on an autism message board i.e., if you presents facts then you preface what you write with FACTS, or sarcasm then preface it with Sarcasm

PHD IN CHEMISTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!! 

With regards to what you wrote about "mentally-retarded". About six months ago my jerk neighbor called the police on me about my dog, and said I am mentally-retarded, and the policeman asked me that when he came. The policeman asked me that like six times because he did not like my answer. They still use that term.

You cannot help me. I am a ruined human being.

Thank you though. 

[em444]

Thank you all for answering! I will definitely look Klinefelters Syndrome up. I don't have any physical symptoms or signs, nor did I have any of the developpmental characteristics you have mentioned. I've always been weird and somehow not cis-gendered. Dangerhell, that story about the police and your dog sounds super familiar to me, I read a guy telling the exact same story on mii verse (the wii U social network xD) Is there any chance that was you? it would be quite an interesting coincidence :O.