Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

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By Mayo Clinic staff

Females with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia — who are exposed in the womb to elevated levels of male sex hormones — are more likely than are girls without this condition to prefer typically male-gender roles and activities throughout their life.

However, this doesn't mean girls with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia will be confused about their gender identify or have any associated mental health problems. With support from family and health care providers, girls with this condition are likely to have normal self-esteem and a satisfying social life.

References
  1. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Institute of Child Health and Human Development. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Congenital_Adrenal_Hyperplasia.cfm. Accessed Jan. 29, 2009.
  2. Stewart PM. The adrenal cortex. In: Kronenberg HM, et al. Kronenberg: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:445
  3. Bora N. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008:216.
  4. Adrenal diseases — congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): The facts you need to know. National Adrenal Diseases Foundation. http://www.nadf.us/diseases/cah.htm. Accessed Jan. 29, 2009.
  5. Nieman LK. Genetics and clinical presentation of nonclassic (late-onset) congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to CYP21A2 (21-hydroxylase) deficiency. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 29, 2009.
  6. Merke DP. Genetics and clinical presentation of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to CYP21A2 (21-hydroxylase) deficiency. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 29, 2009.
  7. Parks JS, et al. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and related disorders. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007:2360.
  8. Diamond DA. Sexual differentiation: Normal and abnormal. In: Wein AJ. Wein: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007:3799.
  9. Gastaud F, et al. Impaired sexual and reproductive outcomes in women with classical forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2007;92:1391.
  10. Nieman LK. Treatment of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to CYP21A2 (21-hydroxylase) deficiency in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 29, 2009.
  11. Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 4, 2009.

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March 24, 2009

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