The 4 Main Causes of Gender Dysphoria.
What causes gender dysphoria? Dr. Z shares the four main typologies—root causes—of gender dysphoria she's observed working with transgender adults. Gender dysphoria manifests differently in everybody, but the origin and cause tends to vary, and sometimes causes overlap. Sometimes the cause can determine onset (starting point of when someone begins feeling symptoms).
The four typologies: Physical dysphoria (85-90% of adults Dr. Z sees)—arising from physiological causes like PCOS, Klinefelter syndrome, androgen insensitivity, prenatal hormone exposure, neurological differences, disorders of sex development. It can have an early or late onset. Sexual (very rare, ~2%)—rooted in eroticized perceptions that become part of identity. Social (primarily younger adults, late onset)—roots embedded in broadening gender understanding, feeling neutral about body but distressed by constant misgendering, leading to inevitable physical distress as a byproduct. Trauma-based (extremely rare)—severe ongoing trauma leading to identification with a different gender.
Watch to find out why Dr. Z believes discussing typologies matters, how this isn't pathologizing transgender identity but understanding distress, and why causes are more complex than we realize.
