I know that not all sufferers have excessive masculine features, but some do, and I have been aware from the beginning that it is because of a dysfunctional adrenal gland.  I do refer to boys with CAH as well and the only reason I’m not planning on discussing any of the other aspects of the disease is because they are unrelated to my topic, not because I consider them any less important.  You’re right I suppose, this can just be seen as a "prop" - but my essay isn’t all about CAH, so it was never going to be any more than a reference.  If I was writing an essay with the main subject of CAH then I would absolutely refer to as many aspects as possible, but that’s not what it’s about.  And as it happens I am planning on referring to women going through the menopause, and possibly thyroid conditions too; but this board is just about CAH so I wasn’t going to start waffling on about the rest of the content of my essay, because I didn’t think it would be of any interest or relevance to you!

And I see what you’re saying about the male attributes depending on the situation, but the fact is that people with CAH do develop male attributes because of the faulty adrenal gland, don’t they?  (I don’t think I quite understand what you mean by the combat boots thing though).