There are several causes of male pseudohermaphroditism (Q5. 2) the best known being testicular feminisation syndrome or androgen insensitivity syndrome (the tissues that should develop into the male sex organs do not respond to the male hormones). The child appears to be a girl. In puberty she does not have periods (primary amenorrhoeaQ6.4). There is normal breast development but poor pubic and axillary (armpit) hair production. The vagina is shortened. The gonads are testes that can usually be felt in the groins. There is a risk of these becoming malignant and surgical removal is recommended.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- Androgen resistance. (2006-01)
- Puberty in subjects with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. (2006-02)
- Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome: the role of the endocrine surgeon. (2005-01)
- Clinical, hormonal, behavioral, and genetic characteristics of androgen insensitivity syndrome in a Brazilian cohort: five novel mutations in the androgen receptor gene. (2003-01)
- Molecular basis of androgen insensitivity. (2001-01)
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What is amenorrhoea?
- 2 What is oligomenorrhoea?
- 3 What are true and false amenorrhoea?
- 4 What is the difference between primary and secondary amenorrhoea?
- 5 Our daughter has not started her periods yet. When should we seek medical advice?
- 6 My periods have stopped. When should I seek medical advise?
- 7 My periods have stopped. How can the cause be determined?
- 8 Can generalised ill health result cause periods to stop?
- 9 I am a keen sportswoman. Could this stop my periods?
- 10 What is hyperprolactinaemia?
- 11 Which investigations are particularly helpful in finding the cause for the cessation of my periods?
- 12 What is karyotyping?
- 13 What is Turner Syndrome?
- 14 What is the testicular feminisation syndrome?
- 15 What is the resistant ovary syndrome?
- 16 What are autoantibodies?
- 17 What is premature ovarian failure (premature menopause)
- 18 What uterine abnormalities may cause amenorrhoea?
- 19 What is Asherman's syndrome?
- 20 What are the late effects of prolonged amenorrhoea?
- 21 How can my amenorrhoea be treated?
- 22 What are the risks and benefits of hormone replacement when used for premature menopause?
- 23 My periods are coming infrequently (oligomenorrhoea). What is likely to be the causes?
- 24 How are infrequent periods investigated?
- 25 How can oligomenorrhoea be treated?
- 26 If my periods are absent or infrequent, do I need contraception?
- 27 Where can I obtain more information?
- 28 Support Groups.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
