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Educational article

What Science Says About the Origins of Gender Identity—and What It Cannot Conclude

Endomédicos

Endomédicos medical profile

Published 6 min read

Educational content. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and should not be used for self-medication.

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An adult reads a scientific article on a screen about population-level findings on gender identity, with no personal information visible.
Population studies may show associations, but they do not, on their own, explain an individual’s identity.

What research on gender identity examines

Gender identity is a person’s personal experience of gender. Research may examine how it relates to biological and developmental factors, but studying these relationships is not the same as identifying a single cause. The available evidence does not make it possible to reconstruct the origins of an adult’s identity from their history.

Association, hypothesis, and causation do not mean the same thing

An association indicates that two characteristics are related in a group being studied. By itself, it does not show that one caused the other; other factors or explanations may also be involved. A hypothesis is a possible explanation that is proposed and tested. It can guide new questions, but it should not be presented as a confirmed finding. Assessing a possible causal relationship requires considering the study design, alternative explanations, and the limits of the data. An isolated finding is not enough to explain an individual’s identity.

What can be studied about biological and developmental factors

Studies explore different questions about biological factors and developmental experiences. Methods, samples, and limitations vary, so results do not necessarily provide a complete explanation or agree with one another. These findings are not diagnostic tests and cannot predict a person’s identity. A possible influence being studied is also not a rule that applies to everyone.

Research does not make diversity an illness

Studying how gender identity relates to different factors is a scientific question. Viewing a diverse identity as an illness that should be corrected is a different claim, and it does not follow from that research. Gender dysphoria refers to a clinical situation involving significant distress that some people may experience. It is not synonymous with being transgender or having a diverse gender identity. A person’s identity alone does not justify assuming that they experience such distress.

What cannot be inferred about an adult

Findings from groups do not make it possible to infer an individual’s identity from their biology, upbringing, memories, or family history. Nor do they allow others to decide what that person’s identity should be. An observed association does not establish what happened in an individual’s life or, by itself, explain their experience. For this reason, a careful explanation acknowledges uncertainty and does not present a hypothesis as personal certainty. Studies also do not justify attempts to predict or change someone’s identity.

Questions about origins and decisions about care are different

Wondering about the origins of one’s identity does not mean that clinical care is needed. If someone seeks support, the conversation can focus on their well-being, needs, and any distress they wish to address, without requiring them to provide a causal explanation of who they are. In Colombia, when encountering definitive claims online, it is helpful to check who published the information, what type of study it cites, and what limitations it acknowledges. This general guidance does not replace a consultation or imply any specific administrative process.

How to read scientific claims cautiously

When reading an explanation about gender identity, ask yourself: Does it describe an association in a group or claim causation? Does it present a hypothesis as if it were proven? Does it distinguish population-level findings from individual experiences? Does it acknowledge what is still unknown? If this is unclear, avoid drawing conclusions about an individual. Science contributes knowledge that can be revised over time. Reading it carefully helps distinguish what a study observed from what it cannot claim, without demanding an explanation for the origins of every identity.

When to seek medical care

If symptoms persist, test results are abnormal, or you have questions about medication, arrange an individual assessment. Do not change treatment or doses without medical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Has science identified a single cause of gender identity?

No. The available evidence does not make it possible to point to a single cause or reconstruct the origins of an adult’s identity.

Can an associated factor predict someone’s identity?

No. An association observed in a group cannot be used to predict or diagnose an individual’s identity.

Does seeking support mean that gender identity is an illness?

No. Care can focus on a person’s well-being or on distress they wish to address; it does not mean that a diverse identity is an illness.

Does this topic resonate with you?

Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your history, test results and goals with a personalized plan.

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