Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the overdevelopment of the adrenal glands from birth. In a healthy person, cortisol is used to decrease the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone. ACTH is used by the pituitary gland which stimulates the adrenal gland. However, people with CAH have a genetic limitation where they are unable to produce correct amounts of cortisol. Without cortisol to exert a negative feedback on ACTH, it continues to be secreted causing the adrenal gland to secrete larger amounts of hormones. When there is an over secretion of hormones it over develops the adrenal glands and produces extra testosterone. Extra testosterone in men does not usually create any abnormalities, however it does in women. Because of the extra testosterone
