DSD Specialty Care

When your child's development takes an unexpected path, you deserve expertise, clarity, and compassion

A DSD diagnosis can feel overwhelming, whether it happens at birth, during puberty, or somewhere in between. The medical terms are confusing, the decisions feel urgent, and finding a doctor who truly understands these conditions can seem impossible.

Dr. Lefke Karaviti examining a child during a pediatric endocrinology visit

Why families turn to Dr. Karaviti for DSD care

  • 35+ years specializing in pediatric endocrinology and DSD conditions.
  • Founded one of America’s first multidisciplinary DSD programs.
  • Personally guided over 1,000 families through DSD diagnoses.
  • Developed international clinical guidelines for DSD care.
  • Published extensively on ethical, family-centered DSD treatment.

Telemedicine

  • 35+ years specializing in pediatric endocrinology and DSD conditions.
  • Founded one of America’s first multidisciplinary DSD programs.
  • Personally guided over 1,000 families through DSD diagnoses.
  • Developed international clinical guidelines for DSD care.
  • Published extensively on ethical, family-centered DSD treatment.
Dr. Lefke Karaviti providing pediatric endocrinology care to a family through a telemedicine visit

Understanding
DSDs

You're Not Alone

Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD) occur when chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy develop differently than typically expected. These differences are more common than many people realize, affecting about 1 in 2,000 births.

Common DSD Conditions We Treat

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) – hormone production differences that can affect genitalia and growth.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) – when the body doesn’t respond normally to male hormones.

Gonadal Dysgenesis – when reproductive organs don’t develop as expected.

46, XX or 46, XY DSD – chromosome and development variations.

Ambiguous Genitalia – when a baby’s external anatomy doesn’t appear male or female.

A Thoughtful, Multidisciplinary Approach

Portrait of a pediatric endocrinologist, reflecting warmth, experience, and approachability

Dr. Karaviti was one of the first specialists in the country to create a truly multidisciplinary team for DSD care—bringing together experts in genetics, gynecology, urology, psychology, ethics, and social work so that your family has the full support it deserves. She understands that these moments involve far more than medical findings; they touch your values, your hopes for your child, and the questions that matter most to your family.

With this team behind you, your family can understand the diagnosis more clearly, consider options at your own pace, and move forward with a plan that feels thoughtful, based on shared decision making with you at the center, supported by an expert team, and right for your child.

My goal isn't just to give you a diagnosis. It's to help you feel confident about the path forward, whatever that looks like for your family.

My goal isn't just to give you a diagnosis. It's to help you feel confident about the path forward, whatever that looks like for your family.

Dr. Lefke Karaviti during a pediatric endocrinology consultation

What you can expect when you see Dr. Karaviti

Your first visit with Dr. Karaviti is your time—unhurried, calm, and centered entirely on your child and your family’s concerns. Whether the conversation takes 30 minutes or an hour, she listens deeply to what you’ve been told, what you’re worried about, and what you need to understand. You’ll have the space to ask questions, talk through your values, and receive clear, honest, supportive guidance.

What your family can expect:

During the visit

  • Clear explanations of your child’s condition in language you can easily understand
  • A careful review of your child’s history, prior evaluations, and existing results
  • Straightforward guidance on what is known, what is still unclear, and what comes next
  • Time for every question, with room to discuss your concerns and hopes for your child

If testing is needed

  • A simple, step-by-step plan for any hormone studies, genetic tests, or imaging
  • Clarity on which tests are needed now—and which can wait

After the visit

  • A long-term care plan that evolves as your child grows
  • Support for the emotional, social, and practical aspects of navigating a DSD diagnosis
  • Referrals to trusted specialists in your area when needed
  • Ongoing follow-up, so you never feel left on your own after the first visit

Care from Home
Whenever you need it

Comprehensive Virtual Consultations Include:

Secure video appointments with Dr. Karaviti personally—no residents or fellows.

Encrypted document sharing for labs, imaging, and previous medical records.

Photo-based assessments are used when appropriate (safer and less stressful for children).

Lab coordination through national partners like Quest Diagnostics.

Detailed written care plans are sent to you and your local doctors.

Ongoing support through secure messaging between appointments.

Who We Help

01

New Parents

  • Families whose baby was born with unexpected anatomy.
  • Parents who received prenatal DSD findings need guidance.
  • Are you feeling overwhelmed by conflicting medical advice?

02

Established Families

  • Parents seeking second opinions on treatment recommendations.
  • Families preparing for puberty or adolescent transitions.
  • Those seeking improved coordination among multiple specialists.

03

Teens and Young Adults

  • Individuals with questions about fertility, relationships, or medical care.
  • Young people are seeking age-appropriate information about their condition.
  • Families navigating the transition to adult medical care.

04

Medical Professionals

  • Physicians seeking consultation on complex DSD cases.
  • Healthcare teams are seeking guidance on care coordination.

New to DSD Diagnosis?

New to DSD Diagnosis?

"Help Me Understand What's Happening"

We’ll start with the basics – Explaining your child’s condition, what it means for their health and development, and what decisions need to be made now versus later. You’ll leave with a clear understanding and a step-by-step plan.

Already Have a DSD Diagnosis?

"Help Me Build a Better Care Plan"

We’ll review your child’s medical history, assess their current care, and help you create a comprehensive long-term plan. This includes preparing for puberty, coordinating with specialists, and addressing any gaps in care.

What You Tell Us

She’s the best. My son has been seeing her since age 2, and she has helped him immensely.

Mary Ann W
Mother

She is so sweet and a smart and loving doctor. She knows what she is doing. Excellent doctor who really cares about her patients.

Tina L
Mother

She was extremely helpful and nice. She knew what to do and was on task. She is really good with kids and teenagers. I definitely recommend her to people seeking help with their thyroid or diabetes.

Emma R.
Mother

Your Most Common Questions

What exactly is DSD?

DSD stands for Disorders (or Differences) of Sexual Development. It’s an umbrella term for conditions where chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy develop differently than typically expected.

This depends entirely on your child’s specific condition and symptoms. Dr. Karaviti will help you understand which tests are essential for diagnosis and care planning, and which might be optional or can wait.

Many children with DSD go through typical puberty, while others may need hormone therapy or other support. Dr. Karaviti will help you understand what to expect and plan for your child’s specific situation.

This is one of the most common concerns parents have. Dr. Karaviti provides practical guidance on age-appropriate explanations and helps you prepare for these conversations.

Surgery decisions are highly individual and depend on many factors, including your child’s anatomy, your family’s values, and long-term health considerations. Dr. Karaviti helps you understand their options without pressure to choose any particular path.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re just beginning to ask questions or looking for better answers than you’ve received so far, Dr. Karaviti is here to help. Your child deserves expert care, and your family deserves to feel confident about the path forward.

Expert DSD care shouldn't depend on where you live. With virtual consultations, the specialist your family needs is just a video call away.