The Hair Loss Encyclopedia

The Rise in Adrenal Androgen Biosynthesis: Adrenarche

November 2004 in “ Seminars in Reproductive Medicine ”

Jon Havelock, Richard J. Auchus, William E. Rainey

adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate DHEAS androgen-dependent hair growth adrenal gland zona reticularis DHEA-synthesizing enzymes insulin IGF signaling pathways

TLDR Adrenarche increases adrenal androgens around age 6, affecting hair growth and development.

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.

View this study on thieme-connect.de →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 70 results

community here is why isotretinoin might cause hair loss and maybe why dupa happens.

in Research/Science 7 upvotes 2 years ago

Isotretinoin may cause hair loss by increasing DHT through a precursor androgen, DHEAS. Treatments like topical antiandrogens (RU58841, pyrilutamide) and drugs increasing PPAR-y expression (pioglitazone) might prevent this hair loss.

community Clotrimazole a better anti-androgen than Ketoconazole?

in Research/Science 1 upvotes 5 years ago

Clotrimazole may inhibit testosterone better than Ketoconazole. The user considers applying Clotrimazole cream on the scalp for hair loss.

community If we lose hair because of our sensitivity to DHT, then why are we trying to reduce DHT when our sensitive androgen receptors are the culprit?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 12 upvotes 3 years ago

The conversation discusses the effectiveness of reducing DHT for hair loss treatment and explores alternative approaches like reducing androgen receptor sensitivity. Specific treatments mentioned include finasteride, dutasteride, pyrilutamide (KX-826), GT20029, and RU58841.

community Sugar and Hair loss connections

in Research/Science 41 upvotes 6 months ago

High sugar diets may worsen hair loss by increasing 5α-reductase activity and androgen levels, especially in women with PCOS. A low sugar diet might reduce scalp DHT levels, similar to finasteride, but genetics also significantly influence hair loss.

community My Theory Of Androgenic Alopecia

in Research/Science 17 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Hair loss is linked to cellular physiology and the IGF-1 to TGF-B1 ratio, not just androgen sensitivity. The theory lacks evidence, while finasteride and minoxidil are effective treatments.

community Finasteride and Eye Problems: You’re Not Going Crazy

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 503 upvotes 7 months ago

Finasteride can cause dry eyes and vision issues due to its impact on the meibomian glands. Users have mixed experiences, with some experiencing eye discomfort and others having no side effects.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

Androgen Dependence of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia in Women

research Androgen Dependence of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia in Women

105 citations , January 2009 in “Medicine”

Hirsutism is more linked to high androgen levels than acne or hair loss, and a mix of hormonal tests is best for diagnosis; certain treatments can reduce symptoms.

research Steroid Sulfatase Deficiency and Androgen Activation Before and After Puberty

41 citations , March 2016 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

In STSD patients, the body compensates for low androgen levels by increasing another enzyme's activity.

Intracrine Androgen Biosynthesis, Metabolism, and Action Revisited

research Intracrine Androgen Biosynthesis, Metabolism, and Action Revisited

131 citations , September 2017 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology”

The document concludes that blocking the internal pathways that create androgens might help treat cancers that depend on sex hormones.

Dehydroepiandrosterone for Women in the Peri- or Postmenopausal Phase

research Dehydroepiandrosterone for Women in the Peri- or Postmenopausal Phase

22 citations , January 2015 in “The Cochrane library”

DHEA may help with sexual function when used intravaginally by menopausal women but is similar to hormone therapy in other aspects and might cause more side effects like acne and hair loss.

Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenism: Biochemical Criteria

research Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenism: Biochemical Criteria

77 citations , June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

The document concludes that accurate measurement of serum androgens is crucial for diagnosing hyperandrogenism.