Leydig Cell Hypoplasia

Leydig Cell Hypoplasia or LCH is an extremely rare intersex variation that effects AMAB/CTM individuals in which the Leydig Cell (a cell that secretes androgens) is underdeveloped.

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.