Sexual Function and Depressive Symptoms in Young Women With Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION: Women with classic forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) or polycystic ovary syndrome have been found to have impaired sexual function. AIM: This study investigated sexual activity in young women with nonclassic CAH (NC-CAH). METHODS: The study included 24 untreated women with NC-CAH and 24 age-matched healthy women. Plasma levels of free and total testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were measured. Hirsutism was evaluated according to the modified Ferriman-Gallwey score. Questionnaires assessing female sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index) and the presence and severity of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition) were completed by each participant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual function and depressive symptoms in young women with NC-CAH. RESULTS: Women with NC-CAH presented increased plasma levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, total and free testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and higher hirsutism scores compared with healthy women. The study group also showed a lower total Female Sexual Function Index score and lower scores in four domains (sexual arousal, lubrication, sexual satisfaction, and dyspareunia). Scores for sexual desire and orgasm correlated with total hirsutism score and testosterone levels. The Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire showed that the total score was higher in women with NC-CAH than in healthy women, correlating with the hirsutism score and testosterone levels. CONCLUSION: The presence of NC-CAH in young women is associated with impaired sexual function and mild depressive symptoms.