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The Hormones Regulating Sex Development

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Abstract

Testosterone, the primary hormone required for sexual differentiation, is synthesised by a complex pathway from cholesterol. Abnormalities in the synthetic enzymes produce some uncommon forms of 46,XY DSD. The androgen receptor forms a crucial link in androgenic signalling, with mutations causing androgen insensitivity. MIA/AMH and INSL3 are involved in Müllerian duct development and testicular descent. Ovarian hormones are important in female genital development, and there are key roles for the placenta and the foetal hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

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Correspondence to John M. Hutson .

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Hutson, J.M. (2012). The Hormones Regulating Sex Development. In: Hutson, J., Warne, G., Grover, S. (eds) Disorders of Sex Development. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-22964-0_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-22964-0_3

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