E34.51: Complete androgen resistance syndrome

Your male sex hormones are unable to have any effect in your body.

They carry male genetic information. When someone carries male genetic information, the male genital organs usually develop in the womb. These include the penis and testicles, for example. For male genital organs to develop properly, the person also needs male sex hormones. The testicles produce male sex hormones. An example of a male sex hormone is testosterone. Male sex hormones control the development of male genital organs. Male sex hormones are also responsible for the development of typical male characteristics during puberty. These include male pattern hair and a deep voice.

For the sex hormones to be effective, they bind to certain docking sites on the cells. In your case these docking sites have changed. As a result, the male sex hormones in your body are ineffective.

If the male sex hormones are ineffective while in the womb, the external genital organs will look female at birth. The external female genital organs include the labia, the clitoris and the skin around the vagina. However, the person will not have a womb or ovaries. The vagina is usually shortened. Testicles are also present. They are usually located in the pelvis or groin area. The testicles may also be incorrectly formed. And at puberty the person develops in a female way. Breasts grow, for example. Usually, though, no hair grows in the pubic area or in the armpits. And the person does not have periods.

The perceived gender may vary greatly. The person may feel more like a girl or a woman. It may also be that the person feels neither typically male or female.