Dear ckl,

You are not dumb...your question is a legitimate question.

I am pretty sure you have said you have a copy of the book CAH: A Parents’ Guide? If so, please refer to Chapter 5, "Glucocorticoid Treatment for CAH." This will tell you that hydrocortisone, prednisone, and dexamethasone are all used to treat PATIENTS with CAH...whether they are male or female.

Giving dexamethasone to a MOTHER who might be carrying a female child with CAH is a completely different issue. This is covered in Chapter 11, "Prenatal Treatment of CAH."

In the first situation, the medication is for the benefit of the person taking the drug. In the second situation, the medication is for the benefit of the BABY...NOT for the person actually taking the drug. See the difference?