Thanks for trusting us, Mara. I know input from someone your age (16 or 17!!) is invaluable to some of us. Our children are small and innocent...and can barely even say 'congenital adrenal hyperplasia'...let alone have a clue as to what we're talking about. My heart goes out to your mother...in these days of 'tolerance' it's almost hard to imagine having to conceal any disability for fear of what people might think. However, this disorder has particular physical attributes (as you know!) that lead me to be extremely cautious about protecting my daughter. I'm very vague to people who don't know about her condition...yet they'll ask questions when they see her taking pills or see her Medic bracelet. The most common is, "how did you find out about an adrenal condition?" As much as the truth is the truth (didn't have a clue until her clitoris grew and she grew pubic hair) I skip around it talking about moodiness, illnesses, and "other" physical symptoms. (which is why there are probably several parents out there that I have talked to about it thinking, "hmmmm...my daughter is really moody, too...wonder if I should have her checked?".....oh, well!) I need to protect her and have no obligation to tell people the intricate "side effects" of this disorder. (Besides, she *was* moody....still is!) Kudos to your mother....and to you.