Leydig Cell Hypoplasia or LCH is an extremely rare intersex variation[1] that effects AMAB/CTM individuals in which the Leydig Cell (a cell that secretes androgens) is underdeveloped.[2]
The cells underdevelopment causes a decrease in androgens and may cause ones male traits to be more feminine in nature.
One with this variation tends to have ambiguous genitals, micropenis, a penis with hypospadias and/or a bifid scrotum, decreased body hair, and decreased muscle tone. In more extreme cases, they may have a vagina, with their testicles being small (microorchidism) and undescended (cryptorchidism).
Often AMAB hypogonadism is seen in these individuals as well, which may cause them to also fall under aromatase excess syndrome.[3][4]
Flag
The Leydig Cell Hypoplasia flag was created on July 31, 2024 by Tumblr user dhddmods. The shades of blue represent the masculinizing effects of testosterone. The grey represents hypoandrogenism, and low levels of androgens. The grey circle represents the testes, and the underdeveloped/absent leydig cells within them.[5]
References
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/leydig-cell-hypoplasia/#frequency
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leydig_cell_hypoplasia
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/leydig-cell-hypoplasia/
- ↑ https://www.cell.com/ajhg/pdf/S0002-9297(07)62597-X.pdf
- ↑ https://www.tumblr.com/dhddmods/757499803622047744/some-intersex-flags-part-2?source=share