Premature Adrenarche

Adrenarche (a pubertal disorder) refers to the maturation of the adrenal cortex that leads to increased production of androgens responsible for development of pubic hair, body odor and acne. Although it is independent of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis that is responsible for central puberty, it precedes the onset of central puberty. Adrenarche typically occurs around the age of 8 years. Because the physical signs of

adrenarche may indicate an underlying disorder of puberty, children with adrenarche occurring at a young age can be evaluated by a pediatric endocrinologist such as Dr. Deepa Suresh. Benign premature adrenarche can be distinguished from pathologic forms of precocity. Children with the benign variant need to be monitored clinically to ensure the tempo of further pubertal maturation.