Final answer:
21-Hydroxylase deficiency is a disorder that leads to abnormal hormone production, causing symptoms such as loss of appetite, poor growth in children, and weight loss due to metabolic issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symptoms of 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
21-Hydroxylase deficiency is a condition that affects the production of certain hormones in the adrenal glands. Three common symptoms of this deficiency are:
Loss of appetite: Individuals may experience decreased desire to eat.
Poor growth: This can be observed as stunted or slowed growth in children.
Weight loss: Patients may lose weight due to metabolic disturbances caused by hormone imbalances.
These symptoms arise because 21-hydroxylase, a critical enzyme for the production of cortisol and aldosterone, is not functioning properly. This enzyme deficiency disrupts the balance of steroid hormones, which leads to the characteristic symptoms.