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When genotype prevails: sexual female-to-male transformation in Classical Antiquity, recorded by Gaius Plinius Secundus and Phlegon

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Abstract

Cases of sexual reassignment in classical antiquity, namely a female-to-male gender change occurring after childhood, are described in the literature. Textual evidence concerning these cases of androgynism and their symbolism as well as a comprehensive scholar analysis is provided in the present study. Medical interpretation of these cases covers the entire spectrum of differential diagnosis of heterosexual puberty in pseudohermaphrodites characterized by genital ambiguity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece

    Anastasia K. Armeni & Neoklis A. Georgopoulos

  2. 1st Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes Centre, “Alexandra” Hospital, Athens, Greece

    Vasiliki Vasileiou

  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University of Patras Medical School, 26500, Rio, Greece

    Neoklis A. Georgopoulos

Authors
  1. Anastasia K. Armeni
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  2. Vasiliki Vasileiou
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  3. Neoklis A. Georgopoulos
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Correspondence to Neoklis A. Georgopoulos.

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Armeni, A.K., Vasileiou, V. & Georgopoulos, N.A. When genotype prevails: sexual female-to-male transformation in Classical Antiquity, recorded by Gaius Plinius Secundus and Phlegon. Hormones 13, 153–156 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03401331

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03401331

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