Minor Physical Anomalies as a Gateway to Understanding the Neurodevelopmental Roots of Gender Dysphoria.

This study examined the prevalence of minor physical anomalies (MPAs) in individuals with gender dysphoria (GD) compared to cisgender individuals. The case group included 108 individuals with GD, while the control group had 117 cisgender individuals. Participants completed a sociodemographic-clinical-data form, and the Waldrop MPA Scale was used to assess MPAs. The findings revealed elevated total, craniofacial, and peripheral MPA scores in the GD group, suggesting a potential link between early genetic and environmental factors and the development of GD. However, the influence of sexual orientation on these findings should also be considered. This study enhances our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying GD, though further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay of factors contributing to this condition.