Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Specialist

What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic disorder that prevents your adrenal glands — two walnut-shaped organs just above your kidneys –– from producing hormones like cortisol and androgens. 

If you have congenital adrenal hyperplasia, your body doesn’t produce the enzymes needed to make these hormones. There’s no cure, but prescription medication and hormone replacement therapy make it possible to live a normal and active life. 

What are the types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

Fort Wayne Endocrinology treats several types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, including:

Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia is typically diagnosed during infancy. It’s quite rare and tends to present more severe symptoms.

Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia 

Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia develops slowly over time. As a result, it’s typically diagnosed during adolescence or adulthood. Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia presents much milder symptoms than the classic form.

What are the symptoms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

The symptoms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia vary depending on which of your genes are defective and the severity of your enzyme deficiency. 

Symptoms of classic congenital hyperplasia include the appearance of pubic hair at an early age, rapid growth during childhood, and problems maintaining normal blood pressure.

Symptoms of non-classic congenital hyperplasia include irregular or absent menstrual periods, severe acne, and excessive body hair. 

Who is at risk of congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

Anyone can experience congenital adrenal hyperplasia, but several factors increase your risk. For example, you’re more likely to develop congenital adrenal hyperplasia if both of your parents have the condition. 

Certain ethnicities are also more likely to experience the condition, including Ashkenazi Jews and people of Hispanic descent. 

How is congenital adrenal hyperplasia diagnosed?

To diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia, your Fort Wayne Endocrinology provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms. Then, they order several types of screenings, including bloodwork, urinalysis, and genetic testing. These procedures can identify abnormal hormone levels. 

How is congenital adrenal hyperplasia treated?

Fort Wayne Endocrinology treats congenital adrenal hyperplasia with a combination of prescription medication and healthy lifestyle changes. Depending on the severity of the condition, your provider might recommend:

• Oral corticosteroids to replace cortisol
• Mineralocorticoids to replace aldosterone 
• Supplements to help your body retain salt
• Increasing your salt intake through meals and snacks

To prevent the condition from worsening, it’s important to participate in routine checkups and blood tests. 

If you’re concerned about having congenital adrenal hyperplasia, request an appointment at Fort Wayne Endocrinology. Call the office or use the online scheduling tool today.