Gender Role Behavior, Sexuality, and Psychosocial Adaptation in Women with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due toCYP21A2Deficiency

Abstract

We identified increased gender-atypical behavior in women with CAH that could be correlated to the CYP21A2 genotype. This speaks in favor of dose-dependent effects of prenatal androgens on the development of higher brain functions. The impact of the disease on upbringing and interpersonal relationships did not correlate with disease severity, indicating that other factors, such as coping strategies, are important for psychosocial adaptation. This illustrates the need for psychological support to parents and patients.

Beyond Discrete Categories: Studying Multiracial, Intersex, and Transgender Children Will Strengthen Basic Developmental Science

“…For example, one study of women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a type of intersex condition, showed that the degree of androgen exposure in utero (caused by various mutations leading to varying degrees of masculinization of genitalia) was correlated with having more male-dominated occupations, more interest in male-stereotyped activities (e.g., interest in motor vehicles), and sexual interest in the same sex (Frisen et al, 2009), suggesting a possible influence of prenatal hormones on gender role, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Similar findings have been observed with female children who have CAH (e.g., Meyer-Bahlburg et al, 2004).…”

Cardiovascular risk, metabolic profile, and body composition in adult males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

“…The nonclassic (NC) variant is usually diagnosed with hyperandrogenism later in childhood or adulthood with most males being identified in the course of family investigations (1). There is generally a good phenotype-to-genotype correlation (2), and genotypes may predict outcomes better than phenotypes (3)(4)(5)(6)(7).…”

Gender identity, gender assignment and reassignment in individuals with disorders of sex development: a major of dilemma

“…In addition, some studies reported a delay of sexual experiences, a reduced interest in sexual activities, lower maternalism, and a higher prevalence of bi-or homosexual orientation in women with CAH compared to the general female population [24,25,[121][122][123][124][125][126][127]. Moreover, it has been observed that girls with CAH who show the greatest alterations in childhood play behavior may be the most likely to develop a bisexual or homosexual orientation as adults [122] and that rates of bisexual and homosexual orientation were found to be correlated with the degree of prenatal androgenization [109] as well with genotype severity [128].…”