Question

A parent of a CAH daughter is having a difficult time understanding why their daughter continuously prefers to play with male-typical toys rather than female typical toys. How would you use your understanding of sexual development of the brain and biology to explain this behavior to this parent?

Answer 1

• CAH or Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is a disorder where the adrenal gland produces an excessive amount of androgens (male hormones).
• Excess androgens are responsible for the development of masculine characteristics in the female.
• The clitoris-region can be enlarged and resemble a penis.
• It causes a deficiency in cortisol and aldosterone.
• This is a genetic disorder.
• This results in abnormal development of the reproductive tract.
• In the US and Europe 1 in 5000- 15000 babies are affected by CAH.
• Females with CAH need hormone replacement therapy, and in some cases, reconstructive surgery. Males with CAH typically only require medical follow-up.