THE BIOLOGIC BASIS OF TRANSGENDER IDENTITY: 2D:4D FINGER LENGTH RATIOS IMPLICATE A ROLE FOR PRENATAL ANDROGEN ACTIVITY.

OBJECTIVE

The biologic basis for gender identity is unknown. Research has shown that the ratio of the length of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) in mammals is influenced by biologic sex in utero, but data on 2D:4D ratios in transgender individuals are scarce and contradictory. We investigated a possible association between 2D:4D ratio and gender identity in our transgender clinic population in Albany, New York.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 118 transgender subjects undergoing hormonal therapy (50 female to male [FTM] and 68 male to female [MTF]) for finger length measurement. The control group consisted of 37 cisgender volunteers (18 females, 19 males). The length of the second and fourth digits were measured using digital calipers. The 2D:4D ratios were calculated and analyzed with unpaired t tests.

RESULTS

FTM subjects had a smaller dominant hand 2D:4D ratio (0.983 ± 0.027) compared to cisgender female controls (0.998 ± 0.021, P = .029), but a ratio similar to control males (0.972 ± 0.036, P =.19). There was no difference in the 2D:4D ratio of MTF subjects (0.978 ± 0.029) compared to cisgender male controls (0.972 ± 0.036, P = .434).

CONCLUSION

Our findings are consistent with a biologic basis for transgender identity and the possibilities that FTM gender identity is affected by prenatal androgen activity but that MTF transgender identity has a different basis.

ABBREVIATIONS

2D:4D = 2nd digit to 4th digit; FTM = female to male; MTF = male to female.