There is a type of CAH that is not salt-wasting. That is, their bodies retain sodium. The folks you have read here who speak of illness within the first month are salt-wasters. However, the non-salt wasting version has been known to go undiagnosed until children are much older. It is often not until there has been excellerated growth and growth of pubic hair, do the warning flags go up. As for the 'cortisol' that you referred to. All children with CAH do not produce cortisol as they should. I believe the severity varies though. I hope you get some answers soon, and keep us updated!!!