Osmosis video - Androgen insensitivity syndrome

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a rare genetic disorder that affects how the body responds to testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics. People with AIS either do not have any testosterone receptors, or their receptors are not sensitive to testosterone. As a result, an individual presents with females' physical characteristics, despite having XY chromosomes (genetic makeup for males).

There are three types of AIS: complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS), and mild androgen insensitivity syndrome (MAIS). CAIS is the most severe type, while MAIS is the mildest. Individuals with AIS will usually have a normal female phenotype of appearance, but they may have infrequent or absent periods and be infertile.