Fertility in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the most frequently encountered genetic steroid disorder affecting fertility. Steroid hormones play a crucial role in sexual development and reproductive function; patients with either 21- hydroxylase or 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency thus face immense challenges to their fertility. Given the relevance of CAH in reproductive medicine as well as the diagnostic challenges posed by the phenotypic overlap with polycystic ovary syndrome, we review the reproductive pahophysiology of both classic and nonclassic CAH and present contemporary treatment options. (C)2014 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.