Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Updated: 2023-04-12

Description

A group of conditions passed from parent to child that limits the making of hormones in the adrenal glands.

Overview

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia affects the pair of walnut-sized organs above the kidneys, called the adrenal glands. The condition affects how a child grows and develops. Although the condition can be life-threatening, most people with it can lead typical lives with treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms in infants girls might include genitals that don't look either clearly male or female. This is called ambiguous genitalia. Boys and girls may be short in height and reach puberty early. There can be problems controlling blood sugar and blood pressure.

Treatments

Treatment involves hormone replacement medicines. Surgery to improve how the genitals look and how they work is an option for girls.