Why do I need a 17-OHP test?Your baby will need a 17-OHP test, usually within 1–2 days after birth. 17-OHP testing for CAH is now required by law as part of newborn screening. A newborn screening is a simple blood test that checks for a variety of serious diseases.Older children and adults may also need testing if they have symptoms of CAH. Symptoms will be different depending on how severe the disorder is, the age when symptoms appear, and whether you are male or female.Symptoms of the most severe form of the disorder usually show up within 2–3 weeks after birth.If your baby was born outside the United States and did not get a newborn screening, they may need testing if they have one or more of the following symptoms:Genitals that are not clearly male or female (ambiguous genitalia)DehydrationVomiting and other feeding problemsAbnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia)Older children may not have symptoms until puberty. In girls, symptoms of CAH include:Irregular menstrual periods, or no periods at allEarly appearance of pubic and/or arm hairExcessive hair on face and bodyDeep voiceEnlarged clitorisIn boys, symptoms include:Enlarged penisEarly puberty (precocious puberty)In adult men and women, symptoms may include:Infertility (the inability to get pregnant or get a partner pregnant)Severe acne
