|  | Conditions Treatments | Genetic Disorders

Symptoms for Adrenal Hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a rare genetic condition in which the adrenal glands produce excess androgen, the male sex hormone, and do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. The imbalance causes abnormal male characteristics to appear. Adrenal hyperplasia affects about 1 in 10,000 to 18,000 children, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and it is most often diagnosed at birth or in the first years of life, although it occasionally appears later. The condition is treated with hormone medication.

  1. Symptoms in Girls

    • Newborn girls may have ambiguous external genitals that resemble male genitalia, although internal female organs are usually normal, according to NIH. As girls get older, they may develop pubic and armpit hair at an early age, and they may have excessive hair growth, including facial hair. A deep voice is also common, along with menstrual irregularities and fertility difficulties. Girls may be tall as children, but they are typically shorter than average when they reach adulthood.

    Symptoms in Boys

    • Infant boys with adrenal hyperplasia may have enlarged penises, according to the Mayo Clinic. Puberty may begin when a boy with the condition is as young as two, according to NIH. A deep voice, early development of male characteristics, rapid growth, small testes and unusually well-developed muscles are also common in boys. Like girls with the disorder, boys are taller than average as children but shorter than normal as adults, and they may be infertile.

    Severe Symptoms

    • Newborns sometimes experience adrenal crisis, which is caused by loss of salt, if they have severe congenital adrenal hyperplasia, according to NIH. These babies often vomit, have an abnormal heart rate, become dehydrated and develop electrolyte abnormalities after birth.

    Late-Onset Symptoms

    • Older children and adults can develop a mild form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Girls and women may notice menstrual irregularities, excess facial and body hair, a deep voice and infertility. Like others with the disorder, those with the milder form may go through puberty early and grow rapidly. They may also have acne, nausea, fatigue, low blood pressure, low bone density, high cholesterol, weight problems and difficulty recovering from illness, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Genetic Disorders - Related Articles