What tests do I need?

[jayjay]

I am not sure what I am, but I suspect I may have some intersex issues.  I am generally perceived as a male, but I have rather large breasts (for a male) that lately have been bouncing a lot and the nipples have been sore. 

I am 5'2" tall, 130 pounds,  and don't have much upper body strength. 

My male parts work (I have fathered two children) and I am chemically attracted to females.

I am going to see my doctor soon and want to know what tests to ask for.  My doc has made me get mammograms in the past to check out suspicious lumps (Fortunately, they were negative).  My prolactin level was not elevated, but none of my other hormones were checked.

What tests do I need to find out if there are any intersex issues here?  Which hormones or other chemicals should be checked?   Are there any other tests to run in addition to fancy bloodwork?  I have always felt that I was part male and part female, and not sure whether I am androgyne, intersex, or trans.

[Nicky]

I'm not sure what tests you need, but I am sure your doctor can advise you on this.

My feeling is it could just as easily be a hormonal condition or you're simply unfit.

You could be intersexed, androgyne and trans all at once.   . I wonder if it is worth thinking about gender identity seperate from your physical self? You could be intersexed or you could physically be a man, but regardless of this you may still feel part male and part female in terms of your internal identity.

[jayjay]

You could be intersexed, androgyne and trans all at once.   . I wonder if it is worth thinking about gender identity seperate from your physical self? You could be intersexed or you could physically be a man, but regardless of this you may still feel part male and part female in terms of your internal identity.

I think that describes me pretty well.  The weird thing is it fluctuates.  Somedays I feel male, somedays female.   

I'm still curious about what tests to expect a doc to run to see whether it is something hormonal or genetic or what.    Also, any recommendations for a good expert doc in the MD/DC/VA area?

[Nicky]

As far as I know some of the key kind of tests include blood tests to look at hormone levels (your basic estrogen and testosterone levels kind of thing) - a karyotype test to see if you have any chromosomal abnormalities (like too many x's) I think this test is fairly pricy...  The simplist test you can get is a physical pelvic exam, or you could get a ultrasound or even a cat scan to see if you have any unexpected structures inside you.

I know one member here had a pelvic exam where it was discovered they had a tiny vaginal opening close to their anus.