More re: DES

[boardwalk_angel]

Differences of exposure of a fetal or infant brain to sex hormones produce significant differences of brain structure and function; sex hormone levels in male and female fetuses differ, and both androgen receptors and estrogen receptors have been identified in brains.

The process of sexual differentiation of the brain brings about permanent changes in brain structures and functions via interactions of the developing neurons with the environment. The environment of a developing neuron is formed by the surrounding nerve cells and the child's circulating hormones, as well as the hormones, nutrients, medication and other chemical substances from the mother and the environment that enter the fetal circulation via the placenta. All these factors may have a lasting effect on the sexual differentiation of the brain.

The production of testosterone by a boy's testes is necessary for sexual differentiation of the sexual organs between weeks 6 and 12 of pregnancy (Precisely when DES was first administered...Gail). The development of the female sexual organs in the womb is based primarily on the absence of androgens.

Once the differentiation of the sexual organs into male or female is settled, the next thing that is differentiated is the brain, under the influence, mainly, of sex hormones on the developing brain cells
( All brains start out as female...at appr. 7-8 weeks, a surge of testosterone is responsible for thr differentiation of the brain of a male fetus...this 'surge' is affected, diminished, or thwarted by DES...Gail)


From: Sexual differentiation of the human brain in relation to gender identity and sexual orientation
Functional Neurology, Jan-Mar 2009 by Swaab, Dick F, Garcia-Falgueras, Alicia