B4436 - Epigenetic markers of gender domains distinct from biological sex - 27/10/2023
Sex and gender must be taken into account in health research and the provision of care. While sex refers to biological differences and gender refers to sociocultural effects, these terms are often used interchangeably, and most studies only consider their combined effects in a binary framework comparing two sexes/genders. We aim to develop a tool to distinguish gender from sex using epigenetic markers (chemical alterations to DNA that can be readily measured in biological samples such as blood). This will enable researchers and health care providers to go beyond simply dividing into two groups by sex (male vs female), and will recognize a continuum of masculinity and femininity, relevant to both cis and trans individuals. This tool will improve research into the social determinants of health, and help to tailor health care decisions and interventions to individuals.