[Pn. 2] Biologically-Based Masculinization: A Review of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia among Females

The purpose of this review is to explore the widespread effects of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) among females. Although the disorder does exist in both sexes, research has been inconsistent and inconclusive when conducted on CAH males. Natural experiments among CAH females provide valuable insight into the influence of androgens, since clinical experiments cannot be conducted as they can in non-human species. Because of this, CAH is one of the most commonly studied endocrine disorders. I searched academic databases and reviewed thirty-one articles on CAH – twenty-five of them are included in this review. My findings reflect those from animal studies by supporting links to gender identity, sexuality, fertility, leisure and occupational preferences, and cognitive functioning