Male pseudohermaphroditism: some endocrinological and psychosexual aspects.

Abstract Studies of eleven male pseudohermaphrodites from the standpoint of histopathology of the testes, levels of urinary gonadotropins and 17-ketosteroids, and psychosexual orientation have been reported. Particular attention has been paid to those patients with gynecoid psychosexual patterns. The results of castration and estrogenization of these patients have been discussed. Responses of local target organs to estrogen therapy have been considered. Justification for castration of these individuals is presented. The beneficial effects of estrogenization have been discussed. Some of the sociological and medicolegal questions posed by these patients have been considered.