Aromatase deficiency

Aromatase deficiency is a very rare condition characterised by the extremely low or absence of the enzyme aromatase activity in the body. It is an autosomal recessive disease resulted from various mutations of gene CPY19 (P450arom) which can lead to delayed puberty in females, osteoporosis in males and virilisation in pregnant mothers. As of 2016, only 35 cases have been described in medical literature. Aromatase deficiency is a very rare condition characterised by the extremely low or absence of the enzyme aromatase activity in the body. It is an autosomal recessive disease resulted from various mutations of gene CPY19 (P450arom) which can lead to delayed puberty in females, osteoporosis in males and virilisation in pregnant mothers. As of 2016, only 35 cases have been described in medical literature. The deficiency causes the virilization of XX fetuses. The onset of the symptoms usually displayed during adolescent or early adulthood. The lack of estrogen results in the presentation of primary amenorrhea and tall stature. The taller than expected height occurs because estrogen normally causes fusion of the epiphyseal growth plates in the bones, and in its absence, the patient will keep growing longer. The gonadotropins LH and FSH will both be elevated and patients present with polycystic ovaries. Furthermore, the low oestrogen will predispose those with the condition to osteoporosis.