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Male pseudohermaphrodite reared as a female
The Medical Journal of Australia
|July 28, 1979
Summary
This case study details a 31-year-old male pseudohermaphrodite raised as female, who underwent surgical and hormonal treatments for ambiguous genitalia and masculinization. The 46XY individual developed female secondary sex characteristics following estrogen therapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- A 31-year-old male pseudohermaphrodite was raised as female, with parents concealing ambiguous genitalia.
- Teenage years marked by significant masculinization, prompting medical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the clinical presentation and management of a rare case of male pseudohermaphroditism.
- To describe the surgical and hormonal interventions for gender affirmation in a 46XY individual with intersex traits.
Main Methods:
- Chromosome analysis of peripheral blood and gonadal tissue confirmed a 46XY karyotype.
- Surgical reconstruction involved phallus amputation, creation of a phenotypic female external genitalia, and vaginal enlargement.
- Hormonal therapy with estrogen was administered to induce female secondary sex characteristics.
Main Results:
- Internal gonads identified as testes with surrounding ovarian stroma.
- A rudimentary cervix and small vagina were present, with urethral opening in a valve-like manner.
- Estrogen therapy successfully induced breast development, aligning with phenotypic female characteristics.
Conclusions:
- This case highlights the complexities of managing male pseudohermaphroditism, particularly in individuals raised with a different gender identity.
- Multidisciplinary management, including surgery and hormone therapy, can facilitate gender affirmation and improve quality of life.
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