WASHINGTON — One day after being sentenced to 35 years in prison for leaking vast archives of secret government files to WikiLeaks, Pfc. Bradley Manning said Thursday that he was female and that he would seek hormone therapy, setting up a potential conflict over a treatment the Army said it does not provide its inmates.

In a statement read on the “Today” show during an appearance by his lawyer, David E. Coombs, Private Manning said he had always felt he was female, something that was discussed during his court-martial.

“As I transition into this next phase of my life, I want everyone to know the real me,” the statement said. “I am Chelsea Manning. I am a female. Given the way that I feel, and have felt since childhood, I want to begin hormone therapy as soon as possible. I hope that you will support me in this transition.”

Mr. Coombs said Private Manning had decided to wait to speak publicly about his gender identity until after the sentencing.