Quote Originally Posted by Robin Leigh
I don't think that there is really a big puzzle why there are differences between male & female TGs. Male & female are complementary, but they are by no means mirror images of each other. We are culturally & socially conditioned to perceive them as symmetrical opposites, but that isn't really true.
That certainly is true, but I have the impression that despite all real excisting differences, science discovers more and more similarities by lifting the social norm curtain.
To explain the differences in the number of MTF & FTM TGs, I think the differences in the physiology & functioning of the genitalia is important, but the hormonal differences are probably more important.
Probably, but in order to analyze a multiple factor system it's important to isolate the single factors first and then see how they play together. Usually you will find synergetic effects that make a statement about more or less important questionable.

Most TS people whether GM or GG usually have feelings of identifying with the opposite gender from a very early age. Some have always felt that way, most seem to realize it by the time they are 6, give or take a year (even if they repress these feelings).

Most non-TS MTF CDers may have a few early femme feelings, but most don't start till adolescence, when the hormones start to kick in (or even later).
I would see this as a gradual difference, which only becomes fundmental in it's effect. A CD wishes to become or be a girl/boy, the TS has the conviction to be a girl/boy, more or less pronounced through the whole spectrum.
Both are able to repress this feelings for a while the one more easy than the other. A "typical" TS might even feel repelled by his/her genitals. It seems less likely then to develop the respective sexuality, wheras a CD might wish (dream) to have other genitals but usually develops sex conform behavior.

What about non-TS FTM CDers? They do not appear to exist, and this causes the main difference in the number of MTF & FTM TGs. Why don't they exist? I believe the main reason is the effect that testosterone has on the libido and the sexualization of the mental processes.
Some posts by our FTMs in the other thread indicate they do exsist, but their advantage (having more dressing options, blending in) is their drawback at the same time (they are not taken serious as CD).
My put on testosterone here would be, besides social factors, that they are less prone to the emulate-the-opposite-gender-approach of CDing (just a guess).

If a young GG with mild TG propensities got hold of some T, crossdressed and got "erotic", I expect that she would soon get into the same conditioning pattern that many MTFs do. Natural T levels would not normally be sufficient for this to occur (unless there was something seriously intersex going on).
Would be interesting to know, but it shouldn't be tested.