What illness causes a male to grow ovaries?

In general, the presence of ovarian-like tissue in males is usually associated with a rare condition known as "testicular feminization syndrome," also called "ovotesticular disorder of sex development." A detailed analysis is as follows:

The occurrence of ovarian tissue in males falls under the category of disorders of sex development. The core cause lies in disrupted sexual differentiation during embryonic development. This disruption is often related to genetic factors, such as abnormalities in sex chromosomes. For example, a 47,XXY karyotype can lead to abnormal gonadal development, resulting in the formation of ovarian tissue in males. It may also result from impaired synthesis or action of sex hormones—for instance, androgen insensitivity—causing the primordial gonads, which should have developed into testes, to instead differentiate toward ovarian tissue. Additionally, some cases are linked to congenital gonadal malformations, where abnormalities in the development of the primitive genital ridge trigger the growth of ovarian tissue. These abnormalities may be accompanied by ambiguous external genitalia or disordered development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Individuals presenting such conditions should seek prompt medical evaluation at an endocrinology or urology department to determine the underlying cause through tests such as chromosomal karyotyping and sex hormone assays. Self-diagnosis or delays in seeking care should be avoided to prevent missed opportunities for timely intervention. Daily monitoring of bodily changes is important; if symptoms such as abdominal discomfort or palpable masses occur, immediate medical attention is necessary. At the same time, maintaining a positive mindset and actively cooperating with professional treatment are essential for optimal health outcomes.