Abstract
Hyperandrogenism in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) results from overstimulation of adrenocorticotropic-driven androgen production in the adrenal cortex due to lack of cortisol feedback. The classical form is characterized by more-severe symptoms of hyperandrogenism, including virilization of the female genitalia. The milder nonclassical form presents with postnatal symptoms of hyperandrogenism. Presenting symptoms in adulthood may include acne, male-pattern alopecia, hirsutism, irregular menses/amenorrhea or infertility. The goal of therapy in CAH is to both correct the deficiency in cortisol secretion and suppress androgen overproduction. Glucocorticoid replacement has been the mainstay of treatment for CAH but new treatment strategies continue to be developed and studied.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
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