What causes gender dysphoria?
Aug 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, gender dysphoria may be caused by differences in brain structure, abnormal sex hormone levels, childhood psychological trauma, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other factors. If related distress occurs, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a reputable hospital. In daily life, it is important to respect individuals' gender identity and avoid discrimination and prejudice.
Generally, gender dysphoria may be caused by differences in brain structure, abnormal sex hormone levels, childhood psychological trauma, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. If related distress occurs, timely consultation and treatment at a regular hospital are recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Brain Structure Differences
Research has found that some individuals have structural differences in brain regions associated with gender cognition, which may affect the formation of gender identity. Professional psychological counseling can help clarify self-perception, establish a positive gender role adaptation model, and reduce internal conflicts.
2. Abnormal Sex Hormone Levels
Abnormal secretion of sex hormones during the fetal period or puberty may affect sexual characteristics development and the establishment of gender identity, leading to inconsistencies between biological sex and psychological identity. Sex hormone level testing should be conducted, and hormone supplementation or regulation should be performed under medical guidance, such as using Estradiol Valerate Tablets or Testosterone Undecanoate Soft Capsules, along with psychological counseling.
3. Childhood Psychological Trauma
Experiences of gender-related abuse, neglect, or inappropriate parenting during childhood may distort gender perception and trigger cognitive disorders. Professional psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, should be sought to improve symptoms through trauma recovery and cognitive restructuring. Family therapy to adjust parent-child interaction patterns may also be necessary.
4. Schizophrenia
Some schizophrenia patients may develop delusions regarding gender identity, firmly believing their gender does not match their biological sex, which is considered a psychotic symptom. Antipsychotic medications such as Risperidone Tablets, Olanzapine Tablets, or Aripiprazole Tablets may be used under medical supervision to control symptoms, combined with psychosocial interventions.
5. Bipolar Disorder
During manic or depressive episodes, emotional fluctuations may intensify confusion in gender identity, causing strong contradictions regarding one's own gender. Mood-stabilizing medications such as Lithium Carbonate Tablets, Sodium Valproate Sustained-Release Tablets, or Quetiapine Fumarate Tablets may be used under medical guidance, along with psychotherapy to help establish a stable self-identity.
In daily life, it's important to respect individual gender identity, avoid discrimination and prejudice, foster an inclusive family and social environment. If persistent gender identity distress occurs, timely professional help from psychiatry, psychology, or endocrinology departments should be sought, avoiding self-medication or delayed intervention.
