Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the enzyme deficiency. In severe forms, known as classic CAH, symptoms may include:
- Ambiguous genitalia in females at birth. - Salt-wasting crisis which can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, and shock. - Failure to thrive and poor weight gain. - Vomiting and diarrhea. - Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) and hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
Non-classic or mild forms may present later in life with symptoms such as early puberty, rapid growth during childhood, and irregular menstrual periods in females.
