Aimee, thanks a lot for your suggestions and input. We have tried very hard to be as open and honest as possible with our daughter. We came to the conclusion it was necessary, after talking with women just like you. They remembered the exams and the people around them. Luckily, all of her Docs. have respected our decision to not have her genitals be the focus of every visit. You suggested a doll, which I think would have worked well when she was younger. That is a great idea for parents with young CAH girls. Many people wouldn’t feel comfortable with the approach I took, (my mother-in-law even thought I was crazy) but I have always taken our daughter to my annual pap exam. She’ll sit beside me and hold my hand and "talk" me through it. I just wanted her to understand that it is OK for your Dr. to examine parts of your body, which are otherwise private to you. I have explained to her that it is part of understanding what is happening inside your body and keeping you healthy. These types of Dr. visits seem natural to her, but we feel strongly they should be kept to a minimum. That is really what I’m hoping someone can answer. Should a small amount of fine hair be a concern? In all of the research I have read, the first sign of puberty is the growth of the breast buds. I haven’t noticed that happening. I have also read that the time between the first sign of puberty and actually beginning the menstrual cycle can be 3-7 years. I’m not worried about her starting her period at 11, 12, or 13, but 6????? It is just so confusing, especially when her labs came back fine. If anyone has dealt with anything like this, please let us know what you did. Thanks!

Katrina