TLDR Women with non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia have higher risk for heart and metabolic problems.
The study compared 14 premenopausal women with untreated non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) to 20 healthy women and found that the NC-CAH group had higher levels of cardiometabolic risk factors, including 17-hydroxyprogesterone, insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, homocysteine, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, along with lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. These risk factors were associated with higher androgen levels and reduced insulin sensitivity. The study suggests that NC-CAH may increase cardiometabolic risk and challenges the traditional view of NC-CAH as a benign condition, indicating potential benefits of glucocorticoid therapy for reducing 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androgen levels. However, due to the small sample size, further research with more participants is needed to confirm these findings.
117 citations,
May 2017 in “Human Reproduction Update” The update highlights that non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia is common in women with excess male hormones, requires specific hormone tests for diagnosis, and has various treatment options depending on age and symptoms.
42 citations,
April 2013 in “Steroids” Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a common disorder causing symptoms like acne and infertility, and it's managed based on symptoms, not just test results. Treatment can improve fertility and reduce miscarriage risk.
35 citations,
March 2012 in “Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes” The conclusion is that accurately identifying the cause of high androgen levels in women with PCOS is crucial and requires specific tests.
55 citations,
August 2008 in “Reviews in endocrine and metabolic disorders” Nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic condition that can cause early puberty and fertility problems, treated with specific steroids.
7 citations,
January 2016 in “Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes” Simvastatin may help manage symptoms in women with non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia by lowering cholesterol and certain hormone levels.
4 citations,
December 2022 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” Treating non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia is complex because the benefits of hormone treatment must be weighed against potential health risks.
5 citations,
March 2013 in “BMJ case reports” Gastric bypass surgery improved a woman's hormonal disorder without the need for medication.
216 citations,
November 1999 in “Fertility and Sterility” Testing basal 17-HP levels is a good way to screen for nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia in women with high androgen levels.
14 citations,
January 2012 in “Endocrine development” The conclusion is that a thorough approach is needed to diagnose and manage hyperandrogenism in teenage girls, recognizing its major psychological and health effects.
