A Hong Kong man has discovered that he is a woman. At age 66, doctors confirmed that the person who lived as a man is biologically a woman.
The man experienced several medical abnormalities throughout his life, but continued to identify as a male. He stopped growing at the age of ten at around 4 foot 5. He reportedly had a penis, which was quite small, but no testicles.
As reported by Times Live , the man reported for medical examination when he experienced swelling in his abdomen . During the examination doctors determined that the swelling and pain were caused by a ovarian cyst.
The Hong Kong man was actually a woman. Unfortunately, it took 66 years to receive the news. The strange phenomena was actually caused by a rare combination of genetic disorders which gave him the appearance of a man, despite being a woman.
The first disorder is Turner syndrome. As discussed at Turnersyndrome.org , Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects females exclusively. Women have two X chromosomes under normal circumstances. Turner syndrome occurs when one of the X chromosomes is incomplete or absent.
Common characteristics may include short stature, “incomplete sexual development,” infertility, physical abnormalities, and heart defects. While there is no cure for Turner syndrome, early detection and intervention with hormone therapy can ease symptoms.
As reported by the Huffington Post , the Hong Kong man also suffered from congenital adrenal hyperplasia . This condition led to the development of a “micro-penis,” facial hair, and other traditionally male characteristics.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia causes the adrenal gland to overproduce androgen, which is a male sex hormone. As discussed by Medline Plus , the condition can occur in men and women. The condition is quite rare.
The combination of Turner syndrome and Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, experienced by the Hong Kong man, has only been recorded six times.
The 66-year-old Hong Kong man, was stunned with the diagnosis, but continues to identify as a male. His doctors have stated that he is considering treatment including testosterone replacement.
