Effects of prenatal sex hormones on gender-related behavior

Science. 1981 Mar 20;211(4488):1312-8. doi: 10.1126/science.7209510.

Abstract

Gender identity depends largely on postnatal environmental influences, while sex-dimorphic behavior and temperamental sex differences appear to be modified by prenatal sex hormones. A role of the prenatal endocrine milieu in the development of erotic partner preference, as in hetero-, homo-, or bisexual orientation, or of cognitive sex differences has not been conclusively demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / metabolism
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / psychology
  • Adult
  • Androgens / pharmacology
  • Behavior / drug effects
  • Child
  • Cognition / drug effects
  • Embryo, Mammalian / drug effects
  • Estrogens / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Identification, Psychological*
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy
  • Progestins / pharmacology
  • Progestins / therapeutic use
  • Sexual Behavior / drug effects*

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Estrogens
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Progestins