The adrenal glands sense this stimulation and enlarge in an effort to produce cortisol, but because a necessary enzyme is deficient, not enough cortisol is made. The thermostat mechanism does not. The body which lacks cortisol cannot mobilize sugar efficiently. Low blood sugar can cause drowsiness and coma. A large salt imbalance could cause repeated vomiting, dehydration, extreme muscle weakness, and weakness of the heart muscle.
Some children are able to make small amounts of aldosterone.
Salt imbalance can lead to poor growth. Unfortunately, ACTH signals the entire adrenal gland to work harder, not just the part that makes cortisol. This overproduction of male hormone can affect the baby before birth. Figure 5 Without treatment, the clitoris will continue to enlarge into a male-like penile structure. For this reason, girls with CAH are more likely to be diagnosed earlier than boys.