What monster downvoted this

Hmm I think the damaging effect would occur over many years but mainly during puberty. It looks like there's only two studies they mention lasting over a year. One found a damaging effect and the other found no effect.

This is inspiring

Thanks for posting. I would not have seen this otherwise.

I like the rough thoughts way though. I'm not here to like read a textbook.

This seems correct and important to me.

Then where are the smart trans men hiding?

There are plenty of stupid and/or distracting behaviors testosterone can push you for without any kind of "chemical brain damage", not only sex. Testosterone is likely to make you seek social status and status-seeking is notoriously incompatible with intellectual pursuits.

This is the strongest alternative explanation by far. I wonder what to look for to check this...

Yes my point is the low T did it before the transition

Did any of them have big muscles before the transition?