Alternative Names & Classifications:
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CLINICAL)
Description
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is caused by inherited enzymatic defects (most commonly 21-hydroxylase deficiency) in the biochemical pathway that produces cortisol. The lack of cortisol removes the negative feedback on the pituitary, resulting in high ACTH levels which overstimulate the adrenal glands. This hyperstimulation forces the biochemical precursors down the only open pathway, leading to massive overproduction of male sex hormones (androgens).