Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER) with Daniel Pfau

Neuroendocrinologist Dr. Daniel Pfau studies hormones and sex differences. They are peeking through the branches of a tree and smiling.

Neuroendocrinologist Dr. Daniel Pfau studies hormones and sex differences. They are peeking through the branches of a tree and smiling.

PART 1:

How many genders are there? How do you know if you’re queer? Is sexual orientation biological, and if so, how? The amazing Michigan State University neuroscientist and endocrinology researcher Dr. Daniel Pfau joins to share their path in academia finding the perfect research, understanding their own genderqueer identity, what animals in nature exhibit queer behavior, how hormones influence the brain, how important it was for them to find community and why the gender binary isn’t a good fit for a lot of people. They are just charming and kind and wonderful and this episode will help you understand just how many ways there are to be human. Also: smitten meadow mice, Gender Unicorns and Alie as a lion. Happy Pride, y’all. 

Listen to Part 1 on Stitcher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get podcasts.

PART 2:

The wonderful neuroscientist and endocrinology researcher Dr. Daniel Pfau is back for Part 2 to answer listener mail about how hormones affect our moods, the variation of gender expression, queer lizards, how a strict gender binary is harmful to entire populations, hormone replacement therapy, hormones in sports, gender dysphoria, additional info on the Gender Unicorn and more. Also: it’s okay to take a mental health day once in a while. 

Listen to Part 2 on Stitcher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get podcasts.

The Human BodyAlie Ward