Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, also referred to as CAH for short, is a health ailment which usually affects buys and girls equally. People who suffer from Congenital adrenal hyperplasia do so because they lack a very important enzyme in their body which is responsible for creating helping the adrenal gland produce the cortisol and aldosterone hormones. Because of this lack of cortisol and aldosterone males will develop early, and females may have male like development.
Males can enter puberty as much as two to three years earlier than average. This can be an embarrassment for some, however the real issues involve Congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the female sex. This can lead to female facial hair, a deeper voice than normal, ambiguous genitalia, and abnormal menstrual periods. Both sexes will likely grow faster than their peers, however, as adults they will be shorter than the general population.
Although Congenital adrenal hyperplasia can be life threatening, the majority of people suffering from CAH live relatively normal lives. CAH can not be caught, and does not spread. Children are born with this gentic disorder. Only a very small percentage of people suffering from CAH have genital issues or sexual indifference. Children will not outgrow this disorder, instead they will have to be treated with harmone therapy for their entire life. With the right medication and detection, it is likely your child will live a fulfilling and normal life.