Sexual differentiation disorder | |
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. Garry L Warne. Melbourne, Victoria: Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Children's Hospital 1997 (28 pp., free publication). ISBN: 0 9587416 1 1. |
Professor Garry Warne is a well known paediatric endocrinologist at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne who has written this small book to help physicians, families and friends of women who have androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). AIS is a congenital syndrome that affects the development of the genital and reproductive tracts and raises important issues about gender identity. In this condition, embryos conceived as XY appear to develop a female phenotype as a result of peripheral insensitivity to the action of testosterone. This is usually as a result of a genetic defect during development leading to an abnormality of the androgen receptor or of some of the enzymes involved in conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The booklet covers the genetic and physiological causes and consequences of AIS and is well illustrated. It emphasises the current opinion that women with AIS should be fully informed of their condition as early as possible in life and that, with adequate conselling, they may lead a full and satisfying life. International support groups for AIS have been set up and their addresses are given to help those who wish to obtain further information. This is an excellent, short, readable book for anyone interested in disorders of sexual differentiation. It dispels many of the myths regarding AIS and is very suitable for those who have the condition as well as their families and friends. Robert J Norman
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