A pseudohermaphrodite is defined as an individual who has the external genitalia of one sex but the gonads of the other sex. When the gonads of the affected person are histologically testes, the patient is called a male pseudohermaphrodite. On the other hand, when the gonads of the pseudohermaphrodite are histologically ovaries, the patient is called a female pseudohermaphrodite. Pseudohermaphroditism is always caused by sex hormone anomalies. Usually these anomalies are characterized by abnormal levels of sex hormones. Less
commonly, the basic defect may be an abnormality in the sex hormone receptors.