Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia & Wild Yams
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or CAH, is a genetic disorder that affects adrenal gland functioning. The disorder impairs adrenal glands’ ability to produce vital hormones called corticosteroids. CAH causes these glands to not produce enough cortisol, the primary stress hormone. It may also affect other hormones, including androgens such as testosterone and mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone. CAH is a serious, sometimes life-threatening condition. It can affect normal growth and development, including genital development, in boys and girls. With proper treatment, however, most children can successfully manage their condition.