Why cant people with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) process testosterone?

are they technically men are women?

From a genetic standpoint, they are men (XY karyotype). They present, however, as women (in Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome). There are variations, in which there is partial development of both male and female primary sexual characteristics...which in laymen's terms, is what people consider a "hermaphrodite."

They cannot process testosterone because there is a mutation in the receptor protein that binds the androgens (sex hormones) to the DNA. For the first several weeks of life (in utero), all humans are "female". There is a special gene (SRY) that triggers the development of genitalia -- and either the sexual organs evaginate (go outward for males) or invaginate (go inward for females).

With AIS, the male external genitalia does not form because the fetus lacks the specific receptor protein to interpret testosterone or DHT and continue the development of primary male sex characteristics . At birth, a patient with AIS looks entirely female (although they have undescended testes, no ovaries, a short vagina, no uterus or fallopian tubes). It is usually not suspected until puberty.

After the onset of puberty (which is usually later than average), a portion of the testosterone (which the body's genetic coding can't transcribe properly) is converted to estradiol and the secondary female characteristics begin to develop. Interestingly, most AIS patients are beautiful women -- with supermodel figures.

I hope I was able to break it down comprehensively for you!

You're very welcome - and thank you for the compliment! Report Abuse

It is a confusing disorder. They can't process testosterone because the estrogen.just pushes it away.