The Rise in Adrenal Androgen Biosynthesis: Adrenarche
November 2004
in “
Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
”
New to dehydroepiandrosterone? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This review discusses the physiological process of adrenarche, its impact on behavior and skeletal maturation, and its variability across sex and race, but reports no new clinical results.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
Adrenarche was characterized by an increase in adrenal androgen production, specifically dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), occurring around age 6. This process, independent of gonadarche, was linked to androgen-dependent hair growth during puberty and was unique to humans and some nonhuman primates. The rise in adrenal androgens was due to increased expression of DHEA-synthesizing enzymes in the adrenal gland's zona reticularis. Although no specific hormone triggering adrenarche was identified, it played a role in behavior, skeletal maturation, and postpubertal well-being. Variations in adrenarche were influenced by sex, race, and possibly insulin and IGF signaling pathways. Children experiencing premature or exaggerated adrenarche might have been at risk for certain diseases later in life.
