Move over testosterone, another hormone is also vital for making boys – and it doesn't come from the testes

Research output: Contribution to specialist publicationArticle

Abstract

Often the first question parents are asked after the birth of their child is “congratulations, girl or boy?”. For parents of one in 2,000 to 4,000 births, however, there is not an easy answer. This is when the baby has “ambiguous” genitalia, where it is not clear which sex they belong to. In baby boys, this was long thought to be caused by problems linked to testosterone – as were more common disorders such as undescended testicles and malformed penises, which respectively occur in 9% and 1% of births.

But now it is clear that the reality is slightly different. According to new research in which I am a co-author, another hormone known as androsterone – which originates in the placenta and foetal adrenal gland – is also vital to the process that turns foetuses in boys. These insights have the potential to make a big difference to how we treat sexual disorders in male babies in future – and are also relevant to the whole debate about male and female identity.
Original languageEnglish
Specialist publicationThe Conversation
PublisherThe Conversation UK
Publication statusPublished - 14 Feb 2019

Bibliographical note

Paul Fowler receives/has received funding from the MRC, BBSRC, Wellcome Trust, European Commission, Chief Scientist Office, NHS Grampian Endowment, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Tenovus, Society for the Study of Fertility, Society for Endocrinology, Endocrine Society, Holly Hill Trust, Arthritis Research UK, Royal Society.

Keywords

  • Testosterone
  • Puberty
  • Penis
  • Manhood

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