The presence of high estrogen levels does not definitively mean a girl, although it's a hormone more commonly associated with females.
While it's true that women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) have much higher levels of estrogen, they also have some testosterone, according to research. It is important to understand that both males and females have both estrogen and testosterone. The difference lies in the ratio and levels of these hormones, rather than the presence of only one type in each sex.
Here's a breakdown to clarify:
| Hormones | Females (AFAB) | Males (AMAB) |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen | Much higher levels | Lower levels |
| Testosterone | Present, but lower levels | Higher levels |
It's also important to understand that:
- Hormone levels can fluctuate: Throughout life, hormone levels can change based on various factors like age, health conditions, and medications, meaning that estrogen can fluctuate, even within the female body.
- Hormonal imbalances exist: Conditions can cause a person assigned male at birth (AMAB) to have higher than average levels of estrogen or someone AFAB to have higher than average levels of testosterone. These variations exist and are important to consider.
- Sex and gender are complex: Sex is biological, involving chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy. Gender is a social construct and personal identity. Hormone levels don't solely determine gender identity.
Therefore, while high estrogen is often seen in people who are AFAB, it's not an absolute indicator of sex, as other factors play a significant role.
