Understanding Adrenogenital disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Adrenogenital disorders

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Virilization - Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

General

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of disorders that affects the adrenal gland which secretes cortisol, mineralocorticoids and androgens. CAH is a genetic problem which causes a lack of the enzymes needed to produce one of these hormones. The two major type of CAH are: 1. Classic CAH- less common. Usually diagnosed in infancy. Most of the children who have this type will have the salt-losing form and only one-third will have the simple-virilizing form. 2. Nonclassic CAH- more common and milder, may be diagnosed only in early adulthood.

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Learn from others who are experiencing Adrenogenital disorders.

Signs & symptoms

1. Classic CAH- Females will be born with ambiguous genitalia- an enlarged clitoris. Males will have normal appearing genitals. Both can be seriously affected by lack of cortisol, aldosterone or both. Children with the salt wasting form will have low blood pressure, low blood sugar. 2. Nonclassic CAH- this form is only diagnosed later in life. Girls may have irregular or absent menstrual periods, facial hair, excessive body hair, deep voice and severe acne. In both forms, pubic hair and puberty may start early, they may grow taller faster than the other kids but overall will be shorter as adults.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may be done on the prenatal periods with amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. Later in life, Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Further evaluation may include gene testing, blood and urine tests.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the symptoms and the form of disease but may include hormone replacement therapy and reconstructive surgery.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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