Living with Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome
A condition affecting sexual development before birth and at puberty, where the body does not respond to male hormones.
Understanding Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome
People have one X and one Y chromosome but their bodies do not respond to male hormones at all. They generally have typical female external genitalia and breasts. They do not have a uterus or cervix, so they cannot menstruate or conceive. Undescended testes and sparse or absent pubic hair are common.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- No uterus or cervix
- No menstrual periods (primary amenorrhea)
- Undescended testes
- Sparse or absent pubic and underarm hair
- Delayed puberty
- Infertility
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists, hormone specialists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and urinary and male reproductive system specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in AR are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Resolve: The National Infertility Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists); Maternal-fetal medicine specialists (pregnancy-related); Urinary and male reproductive system specialists (urologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Resolve: The National Infertility Association
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Resolve: The National Infertility Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by changes in the AR gene and is inherited in an X-linked manner.
Also known as: cais; cais - complete androgen insensitivity syndrome; complete androgen resistance syndrome
Patient organizations
- Resolve: The National Infertility AssociationInfertility · United States
Broader rare-disease groups
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome.
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