Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Endocrine Disorders > Adrenal > Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to any of several autosomal recessive diseases resulting from defects in steps of the synthesis of cortisol from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. Most of these diseases involve excessive or deficient production of sex steroids and can pervert or impair development of primary or secondary sex characteristics in affected infants, children, and adults. Only a small minority of people with CAH can be said to have an intersex condition, but this attracted American public attention in the late 1990s and many accounts of varying accuracy have appeared in the popular media.
Examples of problems caused by various forms of CAH:
- ambiguous genitalia such that it is difficult to determine sex
- vomiting leading to dehydration and death in early infancy
- early pubic hair and rapid growth in childhood
- precocious puberty or failure of puberty to occur
- excessive facial hair, virilization, and/or menstrual irregularity in adolescence
- infertility due to anovulation
Overview of the multiple types of CAH
Cortisol is an adrenal steroid hormone necessary for life; production begins in the second month of fetal life. Inefficient cortisol production results in rising levels of ACTH, which in turn induces overgrowth (hyperplasia) and overactivity of the steroid-producing cells of the adrenal cortex. The defects causing adrenal hyperplasia are congenital (i.e., present at birth). More on [ Congenital adrenal hyperplasia ]
Gonads
Genetic Disorders
Intersexed :: Transgendered
Bodies Like Ours - Working towards ending non-consensual genital surgeries on infants and children. Provides support and information for people born with atypical genitals.
Meta Description: [ Intersex Peer Support and Information, Listen to WHYY discussion about intersex ]
CAH Support Forum - A resource about congenital adrenal hyperplasia, for and by parents of CAH children. Includes messaging forums.
Meta Description: [ Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Support Network for adults with CAH or parents with children who have CAH. Includes information, medical links, FAQ, Forum/Message Board and Archives. ]
CARES Foundation - Supporting individuals and families affected by all forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Newsletters, conferences, events, research, and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Information on Classical Congenital
Adrenal Hyperplasia, NCAH, Adrenal Crisis,
Prenatal Options, Surgery Considerations,
Nonclassical CAH, Hirsutism, Treatment,
Behavior, School, Newborn Screening,
Clinical Trials, Support Groups, Monitoring
Treatment, Exercise, New Developments and
Clinic... ]
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.org - An education and support network for people and families with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Includes important medical links, FAQ, message board and archives.
Meta Description: [ An education and support network for people and families with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Includes important medical links, FAQ, Message Board and Archives. ]
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Evaluation of Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia - Study of Turkish patients with symptoms including cliteromegaly (girls) and premature virilization (boys).
Physicians Weekly - Article about performing cosmetic surgery and the pros and cons of it.
The Surgical Management of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia - Describes the cause and treatment of CAH with emphasis on surgical intervention.
Meta Description: [ Pediatric Urology involves managment of genital and urinary problems that occur in children. A special emphasis on developmental problems affecting the kidneys, bladder, urethra or genital tract. Cornell Physicans specialize in the area of Pediatric Urology. ]
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