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46 Xy Difference Of Sex Development Due To A Defect In Testosterone Metabolism By Peripheral Tissue C5816696

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

A condition where the body cannot properly convert testosterone to DHT in peripheral tissues. Affects 46,XY individuals, causing atypical genital development. Treatment involves hormone replacement.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
N50.9
ICD-11
GA00.0
Body system
reproductive
Severity
severe
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Warning signs - seek immediate care

!

Hypertension

Elevated blood pressure sometimes associated with underlying metabolic disturbances.

Seek immediate care for severely elevated blood pressure or associated symptoms.

Ambiguous genitalia

(genitourinary)

External genitalia that does not appear typically male or female due to incomplete male genital development.

Frequency: 90-100% of patients

Micropenis

(genitourinary)

Abnormally small penis size for age, often with normal erectile function.

Frequency: 70-80% of patients

Hypospadias

(genitourinary)

Urethral opening located on the underside of the penis instead of the tip.

Frequency: 50-60% of patients

Reduced body hair

(dermatologic)

Decreased or absent male-pattern body and facial hair growth due to insufficient testosterone effect.

Frequency: 60-70% of patients

Infertility

(reproductive)

Inability to produce viable sperm, often due to abnormal testicular function or structure.

Frequency: 80-90% of patients

Undescended testes

(genitourinary)

Testes that have not moved into the scrotum by birth or early infancy.

Frequency: 40-50% of patients

Delayed puberty

(endocrine)

Absence or incomplete progression of puberty due to testosterone deficiency.

Frequency: 70-80% of patients

Decreased muscle mass

(constitutional)

Reduced muscle bulk and strength due to insufficient anabolic effects of testosterone.

Frequency: 50-60% of patients

Gender dysphoria

(psychiatric)

Distress or discomfort with assigned gender due to discordance between genital appearance and gender identity.

Frequency: 15-25% of patients

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Combination drug regimen with regular assessment

Active treatment with regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.

medication
2

Topical Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Therapy

Local application of DHT gel or cream to promote virilization of external genitalia, bypassing the peripheral metabolism defect to achieve androgen-dependent development.

medication
3

Systemic Testosterone Supplementation

Parenteral or transdermal testosterone to achieve adequate systemic androgen levels, supporting male secondary sex characteristic development.

medication

Additional treatment options

Gender Identity and Adjustment Support

Psychological services addressing the unique challenges of partial androgen insensitivity, including identity development, reproductive concerns, and family dynamics.

psychological

Breast Tissue Assessment

Regular evaluation of breast development given variable sensitivity to residual androgens, with discussion of reduction options if distress occurs.

monitoring

Genitourinary Reconstruction

Surgical intervention to address ambiguous genitalia, hypospadias, or cryptorchidism based on individual anatomy and gender identity, typically staged procedures.

surgical

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

See a doctor within 24 hours

Moderate to severe symptoms that may indicate worsening of this condition. Prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

Contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care if symptoms worsen rapidly. Go to the emergency department for life-threatening symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is 46 Xy Difference Of Sex Development Due To A Defect In Testosterone Metabolism By Peripheral Tissue C5816696?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Endocrine Society. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(7):4043-4068.

guideline2018View source →
2

Kaefer M, Diamond D, Herman J, et al. Management of Differences of Sex Development: Position Statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2022;149(1):e2021054422.

position_statement2022View source →
3

Ahmed SF, Achermann JC, Arlt W, et al. UK Guidance on the Initial Evaluation of a Newborn with Suspected Disorders of Sex Development. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2021;94(5):740-756.

review2021View source →
4

Lee PA, Houk CP, Ahmed SF, et al. Consensus Statement on Management of Intersex Disorders. Pediatrics. 2006;118(2):e488-e500.

consensus2006View source →
5

Mendonca BB, Domenice S, Arnhold IJ, Costa EM. 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2009;70(2):173-187.

review2009View source →
6

European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology. ESPE Guidelines: Disorders of Sex Development. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2020;33(9):1-23.

guideline2020View source →
7

Bouchard S, Forest MG. 5-Alpha-Reductase Deficiency. In: Endotext [Internet]. MDText.com; 2021.

review2021View source →
8

Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Elsevier; 2020.

textbook2020
9

Costa EM, Mendonca BB. Long-Term Outcome in 46,XY Patients with 5-Alpha-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102(7):2407-2417.

clinical_trial2017View source →
10

World Health Organization. Sexual Health and Human Rights: Current Issues and Challenges. WHO Press; 2022.

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat 46 Xy Difference Of Sex Development Due To A Defect In Testosterone Metabolism By Peripheral Tissue C5816696. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy