Body size and shape in 46,XY females with complete testicular feminization

Twenty-five anthropometric measurements were recorded from eight adult 46,XY females with complete testicular feminization and they were compared with those of female relatives of the patients and control females. In most dimensions 46,XY females were larger than normal females, the difference being close to one SD unit. The mean height of 46,XY females was 171.5 cm. The body proportions of 46,XY females were similar to those of normal females though, according to the results of analysis of covariance where the effect of size was controlled, there may be a tendency to slimmer body. The present findings suggest the presence of genes on the Y chromosome with a general size-increasing effect. They also indicate that the Y chromosome has an influence on the quantitative sex difference in body size. These conclusions are in accordance with the results of earlier studies which have indicated Y-chromosomal influence on stature and tooth size.