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46 Xy Disorder Of Sex Development Due To Isolated 17 20 Lyase Deficiency C5681470

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

A rare condition involving deficiency of the 17,20-lyase enzyme needed for androgen synthesis. Affects 46,XY individuals and causes undervirilization. Managed with hormone therapy.

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 resulting from accumulation of mineralocorticoids due to blocked sex steroid production pathway.

Seek immediate care if blood pressure reading exceeds 180/120 mmHg or with symptoms like severe headache or chest pain.

Ambiguous genitalia

(reproductive)

External genitalia that are neither clearly male nor clearly female, resulting from inadequate androgen production during fetal development.

Frequency: 90-100% of patients

Primary amenorrhea

(reproductive)

Absence of menstruation by age 15 or within 3 years of breast development, due to lack of estrogen production.

Frequency: 90-100% of patients

Absence of puberty

(reproductive)

Lack of development of secondary sexual characteristics including breast development, menstrual cycles, and body hair growth.

Frequency: 90-100% of patients

Underdeveloped breasts

(reproductive)

Minimal or absent breast development due to insufficient estrogen production from the ovaries.

Frequency: 85-95% of patients

Infertility

(reproductive)

Inability to conceive naturally due to lack of ovarian function and sex hormone production.

Frequency: 80-90% of patients

Sparse pubic hair

(reproductive)

Limited or absent development of pubic hair due to androgen deficiency.

Frequency: 70-80% of patients

Absent or underdeveloped uterus

(reproductive)

Underdevelopment or absence of the uterus due to hormonal factors affecting Müllerian duct development.

Frequency: 60-70% of patients

Fatigue

(constitutional)

Persistent tiredness and lack of energy due to hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism and bodily functions.

Frequency: 30-40% of patients

Short stature

(reproductive)

Frequency: 20-30% 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

Pharmacological management with first-line agents

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

medication
2

Testosterone Hormone Replacement

Physiological testosterone replacement to achieve virilization and maintain male secondary sexual characteristics. Treatment protocols adapted to patient age and developmental stage.

medication
3

Glucocorticoid Supplementation

If adrenal androgen pathway is also affected, low-dose glucocorticoid replacement may be necessary to maintain cortisol levels and prevent adrenal insufficiency.

medication

Additional treatment options

Gonadectomy and Gender-Affirming Surgery

Surgical removal of intra-abdominal gonads and subsequent gender-affirming procedures if female sex of rearing is chosen. Includes vaginoplasty when indicated.

surgical

Gender Identity Support Services

Specialized psychological support addressing DSD-specific challenges including gender assignment decisions, disclosure decisions, and identity exploration throughout development.

psychological

Steroidogenic Pathway Monitoring

Comprehensive hormone profiling including adrenal and gonadal steroids to assess enzymatic function and treatment adequacy over time.

monitoring

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 Disorder Of Sex Development Due To Isolated 17 20 Lyase Deficiency C5681470?

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

Miller WL, Auchus RJ. The molecular biology, biochemistry, and physiology of human steroidogenesis and its disorders. Endocr Rev. 2011;32(1):81-151.

review2011View source →
2

Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Abir A, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Elsevier; 2020.

textbook2020
3

Mendonca BB, Batista RL, Domenice S, et al. Steroidogenic disorders: a comprehensive review of 46,XY DSD due to steroid enzyme defects. Endocr Rev. 2023;44(2):261-332.

review2023View source →
4

Lee PA, Houk CP, Ahmed SF, Hughes IA. Consensus statement on management of intersex disorders. International Consensus Conference on Intersex. Pediatrics. 2006;118(2):e488-e500.

guideline2006View source →
5

Endocrine Society. Clinical practice guideline: management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(11):4043-4083.

position_statement2018View source →
6

Ahmed SF, Bashamboo A, Lucas-Herald A, McGowan R. Understanding the genetic basis of 46,XY disorders of sex development. Endocr Dev. 2014;27:123-135.

review2014View source →
7

Rosa S, Duff C, Meyer M, et al. Clinical phenotype and molecular characterization of five patients with 17,20-lyase deficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;105(5):dgz045.

clinical_trial2020View source →
8

Gomes LG, Madureira G, Mendonca BB, et al. Systematic review of steroidogenesis defects in 46,XY DSD: genotype-phenotype correlations. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2021;17(8):483-498.

meta_analysis2021View source →
9

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). CYP17A1 gene - 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency. OMIM Entry #202300.

10

Hughes IA, Nihoyannopoulos P, Smith AD, et al. British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) Consensus Statement on 46,XY DSD. Arch Dis Child. 2021;106(7):659-668.

consensus2021View source →

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat 46 Xy Disorder Of Sex Development Due To Isolated 17 20 Lyase Deficiency C5681470. 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