Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an inherited condition in which the adrenal glands cannot make cortisol the usual way and make extra male-type hormones instead. The most severe form shows in the first days after birth. Other classic forms may not show until later in infancy or childhood. A milder late-onset form can first appear in the teens or twenties.
The mild form matters here because it copies PMOS / PCOS. Irregular cycles, acne and extra hair growth can come from either one. So careful studies screen for late-onset CAH before they call a cycle disorder PCOS1. A morning blood test begins that sorting.
Getting the label right changes the care. Hyperandrogenism that comes from the adrenal gland is treated at the adrenal gland. Naming the cause before treating the symptom is the restorative habit.
Cited in this entry
- Vigil P, Cortés ME, Zúñiga A, Riquelme J, Ceric F. Scanning electron and light microscopy study of the cervical mucus in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Electron Microscopy. 2009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19141465/
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult an RRM clinician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.
