My understanding is very similar to what Julia S explained. I was also told (or read), that a baby girl (under approx. 12-months) will still have the benefit of her mother’s estrogen. Has anyone else heard this too?

To make a long story short -- my daughter was adopted from China at the age of 7 1/2 months. At that time no one knew she had CAH. Part due to her having 11-beta, it took about 6-months for a diagnosis. Then ped urologist wanted to get her stable on the Cortef, then do a cystoscopy and VCUG (which had been tried during diagnosis but they were unable to cath her) to find out the extent of virilization. These tests took place when she was about 17- to 18-months. At this stage she DESPISED anything to do with a medical professional. My very wise ped urologist said that he wanted to wait so that the surgery could be done "for her" not "to her".  I am forever grateful for this advise. Medically, there was no need to do the surgery on her then. There will be before she goes through puberty -- so that is when it will be done (baring any problems between now and then).

Janet