True hermaphroditism: pre- and postoperative evaluation of gonadal function and the necessity of endoscopic examination for the search of cervix uteri at an early stage of diagnosis.

Three previously unreported cases of true hermaphroditism are described and discussed with regard to their gonadal function and the value of endoscopic examination. All three patients showed a good response of serum testosterone to stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin before gonadal biopsy. The third patient showed significant elevation of serum oestradiol level on stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin at two years of age before operation. Endoscopic examination to search for cervix uteri at an early stage of diagnosis, and pre- and postoperative functional evaluation of the gonads by hormonal stimulation are emphasized.