Premature Adrenarche: What Parents Should Know

Adrenarche or "the awakening of the adrenal gland" is an early stage in sexual maturation that typically begins around the age of 10 or 11, which entails the development of body odor, skin oiliness, acne and pubic hair. Being overweight increases a child's risk for premature adrenarche. Premature adrenarche occurs when the adrenal gland begins secreting sex hormones called androgens earlier than normal, which would lead to a child developing pubic hair for example at the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys. It is however worth noting that the adrenal hormones responsible for the development of pubic hair and body odor are different from those that affect the maturation of sex organs. Testosterone produced in the testes is responsible for the growth of the penis while estrogens produced in the ovaries are responsible for the enlargement of breasts.

More often than not, girls with premature adrenarche tend to have periods a little earlier than the average, but usually not before the age of 10. Girls with premature adrenarche are also at risk of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) - a health issue caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. PCOS symptoms include irregular or absent periods, increased facial hair and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne, being overweight. These symptoms are not to be considered in isolation but as a whole when making a case for PCOS. It is important that female children with premature adrenarche maintain a healthy weight and healthy diet and exercise in order to lower the risk of developing PCOS.

There is no treatment for premature adrenarche - no medication will make pubic or underarm hair go away. Deodorants can be used in controlling body odor.

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