Anthropology Case Studies – 01 December 2025

Feminising GAHT in Transgender Women & Uranium Traces in Breast Milk in Bihar

Introduction

Case studies are essential in UPSC Anthropology preparation because they help aspirants connect theoretical concepts with real-world biological, ecological, technological, and socio-cultural issues. The two case studies of 1st December 2025—(1) Molecular Effects of Feminising GAHT among Transgender Women and (2) Uranium Traces in Breast Milk in Bihar—offer rich insights for both Paper I (Biological Anthropology, Epidemiology, Human Health) and Paper II (Indian Society, Public Health, Developmental Anthropology).
These studies also reflect how culture, technology, environment, and biology interact in shaping human adaptation and health.

Quick Reference Box

Paper Mapping:

• Paper I: Epidemiological Anthropology, Human Genetics, Biocultural Adaptation, Applications of Anthropology.
   
• Paper II: Health, Environment, Development, Vulnerable Populations, Public Policy.
   

Key Concepts:
Biocultural adaptation, endocrine modification, proteomics, environmental contamination, maternal–infant health, uranium exposure, gender identity, health inequalities.

SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND

1. Background of GAHT (Gender-Affirmative Hormone Therapy)

GAHT is a biomedical intervention enabling transgender women to align their bodies with their gender identity. Traditionally, research focused on external bodily changes (fat redistribution, breast development, hair changes). The 2025 Melbourne study introduces a molecular-level perspective by examining nearly 5,000 blood proteins.

2. Background of Uranium in Breast Milk

Uranium-238 is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in soil and groundwater. While weakly radioactive, its primary risk arises from ingestion through contaminated water. India has reported uranium contamination in 151 districts, making the Bihar finding a crucial public health concern.

DETAILED CASE STUDY EXPLANATION

Case Study 1: Feminising GAHT and Blood Protein Changes

Organism / Subject Details

• 40 transgender women undergoing feminising GAHT in Melbourne.
   
• Two therapy groups:
   
  1. Estrogen + Cyproterone Acetate (CPA)
      
  2. Estrogen + Spironolactone (SpiroL)
      

Key Observations / Findings

• GAHT altered hundreds of blood proteins:
   
  • 245 proteins changed in CPA group
     
  • 91 proteins changed in SpiroL group
     
• Majority of protein levels decreased.
   
• Protein changes aligned with cisgender female molecular patterns.
   
• Shifts linked to lowered testosterone, increased body fat, and breast volume.
   
• Possible long-term susceptibilities to asthma, autoimmune conditions; possible reduced cardiovascular risk (CPA group).
   

Mechanism / Process Overview

Hormones influence gene expression → changes in protein synthesis → shifts in immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular pathways.

Main Takeaways for Anthropology

• GAHT represents biocultural adaptation: identity + medical technology reshape biology.
   
• Highlights exclusion of transgender communities from biomedical research.
   
• Demonstrates how gender, culture, and biology interact.
   

Case Study 2: Uranium Traces in Breast Milk in Bihar

Organism / Subject Details

• 40 lactating mothers in six districts of Bihar.
   
• Study conducted between 2021 and 2024 and published in Nature (2025).
   

Key Observations / Findings

• Uranium-238 levels: 0–5.25 µg/L
   
• WHO limit for drinking water: 30 µg/L
   
• Infant risk minimal due to extremely low exposure levels.
   
• Long-term concerns include kidney development and cognitive effects if contamination persists.
   

Mechanism / Process Overview

Groundwater contamination → ingestion by mothers → minimal uranium transfer into breast milk → infant exposure.
Majority of absorbed uranium is excreted via urine, reducing risk.

Main Takeaways for Anthropology

• Case shows intersection of environment, health, and society.
   
• Demonstrates how environmental degradation impacts vulnerable populations.
   
• Highlights importance of risk communication to prevent breastfeeding panic.
   

ANTHROPOLOGICAL RELEVANCE (Paper I & Paper II)

Paper I

• Human adaptation to biomedical interventions
   
• Epidemiology and disease susceptibility
   
• Molecular anthropology & proteomics
   
• Environmental stressors and human biology
   

Paper II

• Transgender marginalisation and health inequalities
   
• Water governance, environmental neglect
   
• Public health infrastructure in India
   
• Vulnerable groups: mothers, infants, transgender population
   

APPLICATIONS IN POLICY AND SOCIETY

GAHT Case Study Applications

• Need for standardised transgender healthcare guidelines
   
• Training programs for endocrinologists and mental health professionals
   
• Inclusion of transgender health in medical curriculum
   
• Long-term monitoring systems for hormone therapy effects
   

Uranium Case Study Applications

• Strengthening groundwater surveillance
   
• District-level testing laboratories
   
• Awareness programs to prevent misinformation
   
• Ensuring breastfeeding continues safely
   
• Investment in clean drinking water access
   

ANSWER-WRITING GUIDELINES

Use these case studies to:

• Support answers on biocultural adaptation (Paper I).
   
• Illustrate environmental health challenges (Paper II).
   
• Add contemporary examples to questions on marginalised groups.
   
• Strengthen arguments about public health policies.
   
• Provide scientific evidence in 10-marker/15-marker questions.
   

Use structure like:

• “A 2025 Melbourne study shows…”
   
• “A 2025 Nature study from Bihar documented…”
   

PYQ HOOKS

These case studies fit into the following past UPSC Anthropology themes:

• “Biocultural evolution in modern context”
   
• “Impact of environment on human health”
   
• “Applications of anthropology in public health”
   
• “Role of Anthropology in policy formulation”
   
• “Human genetics and disease susceptibility”
   

FAQs

1. Is GAHT safe?

The study shows molecular shifts but no confirmed major long-term risks yet.

2. Should mothers stop breastfeeding due to uranium?

No—experts state breastfeeding must continue.

3. Can these case studies be quoted in UPSC exams?

Yes—these are contemporary, credible, and fit multiple syllabus areas.

4. Why are transgender health studies important for Anthropology?

They highlight biocultural adaptation, identity, marginalisation, and medical anthropology.

CALL TO ACTION

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