Hirsutism & Virilization

3- Non classical (adult-onset) adrenal
hyperplasia:
• This condition is present in approximately 1%
of hyperandrogenic women.
• There is deficiency in activity of adrenal
enzymes and thus formation of excess cortisol
precursors (e.g., 17-hydoxyprogesterone and
androstenedione) which leads to increased
production of androgens. The most common
enzyme deficiency is 21-hydroxylase.
• Inheritance is autosomal recessive, and
occurrence is increased in Ashkenazi Jews.