Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Female children with severe CAH might be born with genitalia which look more male than female; however, internal female organs are intact. As they get older, girls with CAH may develop facial hair and a deep voice, and they may have abnormal menstrual periods or no periods at all. Boys with CAH often have well-developed muscles and early development of masculine features. Both may develop severe acne, and have hyperpigmentation, especially of the genitalia.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia has several types.

One type causes a life-threatening cortisol deficiency shortly after birth. Another type causes menstrual irregularities and excess facial hair in adult women.