Health's Book

Definition

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia refers to a group of inherited disorders of the adrenal gland.

Symptoms

Girls will usually have normal internal female reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes). They may have the following external changes:

* Abnormal menstrual periods
* Genitals that look both male and female (ambiguous genitalia), often appearing more male than female
* Deep voice
* Early appearance of pubic and armpit hair
* Excessive hair growth and facial hair
* Failure to menstruate

Boys won't have any obvious problems at birth. However, they may appear to enter puberty as early as 2 - 3 years of age. Changes may include:

* Deep voice
* Early appearance of pubic and armpit hair
* Early development of masculine characteristics
* Enlarged penis
* Small testes
* Well-developed muscles

Both boys and girls will be tall as children but significantly shorter than normal as adults.

Some forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia are more severe and cause adrenal crisis in the newborn due to loss of salt. In this form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, newborns develop severe symptoms shortly after birth, including:

* Cardiac arrhythmias
* Dehydration
* Electrolyte changes
* Vomiting