Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Symptoms

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia affects adrenal glands that might not produce enough cortisol hormone or too much of the hormones aldosterone and testosterone. In children, congenital adrenal hyperplasia interferes with growth and development of genitalia.

Infant Symptoms

• Symptoms of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia in infants include weight loss, dehydration, vomiting, enlarged penis and for girls, ambiguous genitals.

Child and Adult Symptoms

• Symptoms of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia in children and adults include early puberty, infertility in both sexes, being shorter than average and irregular menstruation.

Nonclassic Female Symptoms

• Symptoms of nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia in females include infertility, absent periods and masculine characteristics such as a deep voice and facial hair.

Nonclassic Unisex Symptoms

• Symptoms of nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia occurring in males and females include obesity, early puberty, low blood pressure, low bone density and a slow recovery from colds and other infections.

Complications

• Complications include the potential for an adrenal crisis that causes diarrhea, vomiting, shock and low blood sugar. An adrenal crisis is the result of low cortisol production in the adrenal glands.