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Late Onset Adrenal Hyperplasia Symptoms

Adrenal hyperplasia is a condition that can affect individuals in childhood (classic or congenital adrenal hyperplasia) or late childhood or adulthood (nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia "late onset"). In both versions, the adrenal gland generally does not make enough of the needed cortisol hormone -- and may also make an abnormal amount of two other hormones: androgens (testosterone) and mineralcorticoids (aldosterone). But when it comes to severity and symptoms, the two differ, with late onset being the milder of the two.

  1. Symptoms of Late Onset in Females

    • According to the Mayo Clinic (see link in the Resources section below), late onset symptoms of adrenal hyperplasia are generally experienced more by girls and women than males. These symptoms experienced by females can include infertility, an irregular menstruation (or the absence of one altogether), as well as masculine characteristics: a deepening voice and excessive hair on the face and/or body.

    Symptoms in Males and Females

    • Although this type of condition is more obvious in the female, since symptoms produce some unfeminine-like characteristics, males experience the condition, too, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms that can be experienced by males and females consist of a lengthier recovery time from an infection or cold, obesity, nausea, fatigue and low blood pressure. In addition, high blood cholesterol, low bone density and severe acne can also occur, as well as early puberty. But in spite of rapid growth during childhood due to early puberty, height is typically shorter than average in adulthood.

    Cause of Late Onset Symptoms

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, a deficiency in the enzyme 21-hydroxylase is what causes congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Since the late onset type (nonclassical) is less severe than the classical type seen in childhood, the deficiency of this enzyme is not as great either.

    Symptom Duration

    • In cases of adult congenital adrenal hyperplasia (nonclassical), it is not always necessary to continue the medication treatment during the entire lifetime, as symptoms don't always last. Each adult individual is different, with some requiring such treatments indefinitely and some not.

    Symptom Treatment Options

    • Late onset treatment options for this condition consist of hormone replacement medication. Some hormone medications prescribed for this condition can include hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and fludrocortisone, to name a few. The hormone replacement treatment recommended will be based on the symptoms experienced, what enzyme is deficient (21-hydroxylase or another), as well as which hormone(s) is/are deficient in the body (cortisol, aldosterone) or too abundant (testosterone).

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