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Adrenarche.

L N Parker1

  • 1University of California, Irvine.

Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America
|March 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Adrenarche, the rise in adrenal androgens (DHA, DHAS) between ages 6-8, precedes puberty. While it influences growth and male puberty, it is not essential for puberty

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Adolescent Medicine

Background:

  • Adrenarche is a developmental stage characterized by increasing adrenal androgen production (DHEA, DHEAS) between ages 6-8.
  • This hormonal shift occurs independently of cortisol levels and is associated with physical changes like pubic hair growth and accelerated linear growth.
  • The precise triggers for adrenarche, whether intra- or extra-adrenal, remain unknown, with key hormones like ACTH, prolactin, and gonadotropins not appearing to be causative.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the hormonal changes during adrenarche and their relationship with puberty.
  • To investigate the potential role of adrenal androgens in pubertal development and associated physical changes.
  • To differentiate the hormonal events of adrenarche from those of puberty.

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Main Methods:

  • The abstract does not specify methods but discusses hormonal concentrations (cortisol, DHA, DHEAS, testosterone, SHBG) and their changes over time.
  • Observational analysis of hormonal profiles in children during pre-pubertal and pubertal stages.
  • Review of clinical associations between adrenal androgen levels and pubertal development, including cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency.

Main Results:

  • Urinary and circulating concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) progressively increase between ages 6-8, while cortisol remains constant.
  • Adrenarche is linked to the development of secondary sexual characteristics (axillary and pubic hair) and a temporary acceleration in growth and bone maturation.
  • Elevated adrenal androgens may decrease sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and increase bioavailable testosterone in pre-pubertal boys.
  • While adrenarche may facilitate male puberty and growth, it is not a prerequisite for its onset, as evidenced by normal pubertal progression in individuals with adrenal insufficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Adrenarche is a distinct endocrine event preceding puberty, marked by rising adrenal androgens.
  • Adrenal androgens play a role in physical maturation and may influence pubertal development, particularly in males.
  • The initiation of puberty is independent of adrenarche, despite potential synergistic interactions.