Having chromosomes checked... just to see?

[Elaine]

I had my reservations about posting this, because I know a person's chromosomal gender likely hasn't a thing to do with whether they are transgendered... BUT, I have a reason for wanting to know whether I'm chromosomally intersexed, and before I ask my question, I will explain why.

Ok, probably the hardest part of transitioning is coming out to the family/friends etc. I'm out to my parents, my close friends and some family, but I'm worried much of the extended familly will never want to speak to me again once they find out... and than there's people I go to school with, professors, etc.

Anyway, wouldn't it be great... wouldn't it make it SO MUCH easier, if we could just explain it away by saying "Well, I have two X chromosomes... so there!". It would essentially solve all the "coming-out woes". I know it's a long shot to actually be genetically intersexed, and we all know that it doesn't matter, and to imply that it matters is to misunderstand transexuality. BUT, the general public, and specifically my extended family, has no hope of ever really understanding transexuality, but they do understand that men are genetically XY and women are genetically XX, and being XXY would probably make it A-OK in there eyes.

And imagine transitioning, going through years of heartbrake, crying, etc from telling your loved ones you're switching gender, only to find out years later that you actually have an XXY chromosome sequnce? Again, I know it's a long shot, but it seems like something that would make life too much easier not to consider getting checked. It would be like having an official document from a geneticist saying that you're not crazy, that those you live around coun't say "boo" to.

I hate to say it, but it would be like taking the easy way out of trying to explain transexuality to them. But, if any one of us were genetically intersexed, could anyone honestly say they wouldn't use that convenient little fact to make their life a whole lot easier?

So, my question to the wonderful people of this forum... how would I go about getting my chromosomes checked?

[Dersi]

I think is ok.

I mean, a person could be IS and also be TS. Just think that being intersex is no fun stuff >.<

I know a few ones who are and things are hard in some ways that for others.

Like exemple micropenis IS, I know 2 girls with this problem and they will have troubes getting SRS.

I also know a XXY girl who even when her parents know about all this, her dad refuse to understand that she is also TS and need to transition.

Or... the ambigous genitalia of another girl, she is ashamed of even looking at her groin...


Being IS carries a lot of problems, yeah you could use it to your advantage and some ppl will accept you more easily.

And btw, I thougth it was normal to get the genes checked cuz HRT for a IS individual is a tiny bit different.

[Lori]

Your endo can do it. Just have blood drawn and they can test it. Anybody that draws blood can have it sent off for a chromosone check.

[Terra]

I don't think it is a bad idea Elaine, as long as you understand that the possibility is quite a ways out there.

On the bright side, if that picture is you, you are really going to pass well!

[LostInTime]

Nothing wrong with that and do not worry if anyone gives you grief, this is a very personal decision.

I never had mine checked as I am already out, have been out, repaired family relationships, and it would not change the fact that I was raised as a boy.  However, I do admit that at times I am curious myself but that is mainly due to comments others make.

And yes, it could make the whole explaining things a lot easier.

Is there anyone on the board that have had their chromosomes checked?

[Kate]

LOL, you're reading my mind...

I'm going for a routine doc checkup saturday to maintain my Propecia prescription, and I've been going over in my head how to ask for either a chromosome or hormonal check... wondering if I'm nuts to even ask.

I'm also wondering how much it costs?

I've always had this paranoid delusion that I might have Kleinfelters (tall, a boyish, non-masculine physique, minor hypospadias, etc.). It's just so difficult to give up searching for some physical justification for feeling TS.

I don't blame ya one bit

[Elaine]

Thank you for the input everyone... I'm glad others feel the same way. I hadn't even realized an endo could check it, I thought I would have to find a geneticist somewhere! I'm starting HRT soon, so I'll talk to that doctor about it.

Kate, I'm wondering how much it would cost, too. I'm sure it would have to be sent away for analysis, so it might be a little pricey.

On the bright side, if that picture is you, you are really going to pass well!

Thank you! 

[jan c]

this is interesting: "The fact that a person undergoing treatment for gender identity disorder has Klinefelter's syndrome is often missed, or the patient is not told, although in many jurisdictions this additional diagnosis can have legal consequences, for example regarding name change or medical treatment having to be adapted."

[Kate]

"Pre-pubescent boy" seems to best describe my physique. Smaller frame (though tall), thin arms, small muscles, no chest hair, etc. I look stupid in male dress shirts for some reason. I tend to wear baggy clothing to compensate.

Still, I do look like a guy otherwise. Beard. Anatomically correct (except for minor hypospadias thing). So I think I'm just paranoid, but still, I'm gonna ask on saturday to see if at least hormones can be checked out. I'm guessing hormones are cheaper and easier to run than chromosomes, and IF there's a chromosome problem, they'll be a hormonal imbalance too.

If I looked like Elaine, on the other hand, I'd be pretty darn curious too. I can't see anything but a pretty young woman in that picture.

Kleinfelters can apparently go one of two ways: either a rounded, female-ish frame with small breasts, etc.... or a lanky, long-limbed, tall boyish frame.

[Melissa]

I wondered about myself, but that's about as far as I've gone.  I was able to have 2 children, so I have..errr had working male plumbing.  I have experienced some weird things, but I think I am just a normal transsexual.  I do know I should have been born as a girl, unfortunately my twin sister got the girl body.  So, all I'm doing is correcting what went wrong.  So far, I have been responding well to hormones and will continue my journey until I feel normal.  I don't think I have XXY chrmosones, but I do have some feminine features including arms and legs which play well to my advantage with regards to transitioing.  In fact, before transition, I had no problem passing when trying to present as female (as in my avatar picture).

Melissa

[Kate]

In fact, before transition, I had no problem passing when trying to present as female (as in my avatar picture).

Good lord, that's *before* transitioning???

Again.. as with Elaine, I just see a pretty young woman.

Sigh. I doubt if HRT, FFS and a backhoe and cranes could make me look as good as you kids, lol...

And no one better be typing "it's all about self acceptance" back to that either, lol...

[Melissa]

Good lord, that's *before* transitioning???

Again.. as with Elaine, I just see a pretty young woman.

Thanks.  That sure puts a smile on my face.  I don't even think I had started therapy when I had that picture taken.  I don't think I look nearly as good as elaine, but I'm getting there.

Melissa

[Dersi]

Hi, I have meet this girl (TS) shes is transitioning and has found some oddities about her body let me tell you and I hope you could give me some insigth.

She has without the help of hormones or other meds, but t ocurred naturally

Normal male genitalia, althougth in the low avg range.
Female secondary sexual characterist like:
-female arms (confirmed)
-female legs (seems so)
-wide pelvis
-No adams apple
-kinda feminine face
-low body hair
-gynomastia starte at age 11 and went A cup for years

The skeletal system was a big odditie, since she didnt take any hormones till past the age of growing.

I know some males can develop some femnine trais and some females masculine traits, but they seems to be a lot of "concidences" in her body.

I have been trying to find some answers for this.

So far I think she has minimum an endocrin weird system.

And that she has either had more estrogen in her body to create this sort of development or her anrogen receptors are defective.


Btw, there are some others things, but I will disclose them upon request. Thanks for listenning.

That is a post I made in the IS child board.

I will love to share some info regarding those... oddities.

[Elaine]

Wow, Kate, thank you so much for that compliment!

But I should point out that I don't really have many physical characteristics I can't attribute to family genes... my body hair is really course and my shoulder width depresses the heck out of me (I take a lot of "side shots" to hide it ). In fact, the only reason I was curious about this was because I'd read that in many cases, a chromasomally intersexed person might show no outward signs of their condition, and that of all the genetic disorders, XXY chromosomes are about the most common. A few years ago, I had my hormones checked at my doctor's recommondation because of one very slight abnormality "down below", but truely that's all. So I'm just going on complete chance with my wanting to get it checked.

And Melissa, you DO look great!

[Kimberly]

Just as a side note my mother has wide shoulders... ^*chortle* You should hear her grump about the stupid padded shoulders.

(Moral: GGs have wide shoulders too, don't worry about it!)

[Melissa]

I did some research on Kleinfelters and it sounds like if you have it, you are infertile.  Since I have kids, I guess that means I couldn't have it.  Oh, and thanks Elaine.

Melissa

[Kate]

I'm going for a routine doc checkup saturday to maintain my Propecia prescription, and I've been going over in my head how to ask for either a chromosome or hormonal check... wondering if I'm nuts to even ask.

Well, the doc said she'll check my hormone levels in three months when I go back for a full physical. Wish it was sooner. I just used the excuse of being on Propecia and worrying about T levels being elevated.

I don't know the cost, as it's being lumped in with all the other level checks (sugar, PSA, etc.), which will be partially covered by insurance.

The bad news is I have borderline high blood pressure (140/80). Pout. Wouldn't it be ironic if I ended up on spironolactone? I guess this means I have to... gulp... exercise. Somehow I'd hoped walking to and from my car on workdays would be enough.

[Leigh]

Why do we search for this?

Validation plain and simple.  It seems that so many need a justifier to explain why they are this or that.  Its easier to find commiseration if a medical reason can be found otherwise it could be considered a mental abberation.



 

[HelenW]

"-- I desperately want a physical it-can-be-helped reason for TS to be found so I can get my discrimination/harassment exemption pass."

This just about says it all.

helen

[Kate]

Well, the doc said she'll check my hormone levels in three months when I go back for a full physical.

Yea, I know it's a bloody old thread, but just to put a close on my particular chapter here... I'm not intersexed. Pout. Heck, I'm a damn stud, with a T level of 796 (normal is apparently 270-1100). No, it's not a chromosome check, but if I was xxy, I assume my T would be low (smaller testes), so... oh well.

Good news is I'm healthy otherwise (cholesterol, blood count, thyroid, etc.). God knows why since I sit and stare at a computer screen all day, every day. But hey... I'll take it