Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is a congenital condition of the adrenal gland (the gland located just above your kidney) resulting in underproduction of stress hormone (cortisol) and salt-regulating hormone (aldosterone). Simultaneously, the male hormone (androgen) that is also produced in the adrenal gland in very small amounts is in CAH produced in very high conctrations.
Several symptoms that can be seen in babys with CAH are “darkening” (hyperpigmentation) around the genitalia, ambiguous genitals in female infant, unexplained recurrent vomiting, weight loss unable / not wanting to drink, and dehydration that can be life threatening. Babys with CAH when untreated usually die due to the persistent salt loss.
In childhood symptoms can be explained by the overproduction of male hormones (also in the girls).
Such as early pubic hair and puberty, increased growth as child but low final height. In girls acne and hirsutism.
In the video below you will hear a short story about 2 girls with CAH.
