Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is an intersex condition that effects 1 in 10,000 to 18,000 people. Those with this condition have adrenal glands (glands above the kidneys that produce horomones such as cortisol and aldosterone) that do not properly function in horomone production. Because of this, estrogen production is effected in both AMAB and AFAB individuals alike.
AFAB individuals with this condition typically have an enlarged clitoris, ambiguous genitals, or a penis, however they may have a vagina as well. Although they may appear fully female at birth (if they have a vagina,) upon puberty they have a tendency to grow excessive body hair and facial hair, have severe acne, and irregular or absent periods. They may or may not be fertile, and able to reproduce.
AMAB individuals with this condition may also have hypermasculine features, and will likely have an average penis.
Both AFAB and AMAB individuals with this condition tend to have an early puberty, early appearance of pubic hair, and rapid growth during childhood (however they stop growing at a smaller height than average.) Due to the condition of the glands on their kidneys, their bodies tend to fail at properly filtering, which causes an overfill of salt within the systems. This can be life-threatening if left untreated, however if treated, those with this condition typically grow up without issue.
Genetics
Those with this condition typically were concieved by someone with CAH themselves as well. This means that at least one or more of the concieving parents usually have this condition, however this is not always the case.
Resources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congenital_adrenal_hyperplasia
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000411.htm
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/congenital-adrenal-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355205#:~:text=Congenital%20adrenal%20hyperplasia%20(CAH)%20refers,response%20to%20illness%20or%20stress