Evaluation of young women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A pilot study

To evaluate the outcome of medical and surgical treatment of 10 young women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). final height, weight, body-proportions and body hair growth as well as aspect and functionality of the external genitalia were assessed. The final height was below -2 SD of the target height in 55%. though the body proportions were in the normal range. Only 3 patients were menstruating regularly. Scores for 'hormonal' body hair growth were in a higher range. Gynaecological examination revealed that in 5 out of 9 patients, the genitalia were functionally acceptable. This pilot study stresses that from birth into adulthood of female patients with CAH there is a need for a combined therapeutic approach by a paediatric endocrinologist, a surgeon and a psychologist. This will improve the physical and psychosocial well-being of these patients.