Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome awareness needed in South Africa
We closed off the show with an interview with Angela Douglas – Coordinator of the support group for women who have Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome. We were talking about Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome which is also referred to as androgen resistance syndrome. It is a set of disorders of sex development caused by mutations of the gene encoding the androgen receptor. A person with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) has a female external appearance despite a 46XY karyotype and undescended testes. According to health 24, A child with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome appears, feels and behaves like a little girl. However, their chromosomes are genetically male: XY. It is said that the condition is often undetected into adulthood when there is failure to menstruate or develop pubic or underarm hair. The girl’s and her parent’s world is turned upside down overnight and the diagnosis can be extremely traumatic. Angela explained more about the importance of being in a support group. For more information contact her on 082 875 7230 or send an email to saais@iafrica.com alternatively visit www.aissg.org
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