Peculiar properties of adrenal cortex steroidogenesis in normal pregnancy and hyperandrogenism

Synthesis of estriol becomes more intense during pregnancy. It increases blood level of steroidogenesis intermediates and, therefore, leads to hyperandrogenism. In some cases this state is interpreted as consequence of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, while it is caused by physiological pregnancy. Hence medical therapy by glucocorticoid suppressants is unnecessary in a number of cases.