Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH/AGS)

Adrenogenital syndrome is an inherited condition affecting the adrenal glands. The body makes too little cortisol and, in some forms, too little aldosterone.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

  • Adrenogenital syndrome, usually called congenital adrenal hyperplasia, is a group of inherited conditions in which the adrenal glands cannot make certain hormones properly.
  • In the most common form, there is too little cortisol, sometimes too little aldosterone, and relatively large amounts of androgens are produced.
  • The classic salt-wasting form can cause a life-threatening adrenal crisis in a baby within days to weeks.
  • Classic CAH is treated for life with glucocorticoids and sometimes fludrocortisone and extra salt, according to a specialist plan.
  • Fever, surgery, a serious injury or repeated vomiting often requires temporary extra hydrocortisone according to individual sick-day rules.
  • Everyone at risk of an adrenal crisis should have an emergency card, an emergency injection and an emergency plan that has been practised.
  • Non-classic CAH is milder and needs treatment only if there are significant symptoms.
  • Treatment requires balance: too little hormone causes a crisis or excess androgens; too much medication can harm growth, bones, weight and blood pressure.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
A
Anorexia nervosaAnorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder involving food restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight and often a distorted body image.
U
Underactive thyroidWith an underactive thyroid, the body produces too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms often develop gradually and are non-specific; blood tests confirm the diagnosis. Levothyroxine helps when treatment is needed, but the dose and monitoring must be tailored to the individual.
V
Vitamin DVitamin D supports calcium absorption and is important for bones and muscles. The body makes vitamin D in the skin under the influence of sunlight; food provides a smaller share. Some groups need a preventive supplement, but high doses without an indication can cause dangerously high calcium levels.