Adrenocortical Function in Puberty: Serum ACTH, Cortisol, and Dehydroepiandrosterone in Girls and Boys

The study measured serum ACTH, Cortisol, and DHEA in 200 girls and 80 boys to assess adrenocortical function during puberty. In girls, DHEA levels increased significantly from 7.5 to 12.5 years, plateaued until 15.5 years, and then rose continuously to 18.5 years. Boys showed a progressive increase in DHEA starting at 8.5 years, with a rapid increase after 12.5 years, continuing to the oldest group. DHEA levels were lower in boys than girls until the oldest age group, reflecting earlier pubertal development in girls. DHEA appeared more crucial for early puberty signs in girls, as their levels were nearly double those of boys at similar pubic hair growth stages. Cortisol levels in girls increased progressively, with higher postmenarche levels, while boys experienced a decrease until 12.5 years, followed by an increase from 16.5 years. ACTH levels showed no significant changes across age groups, and an inverse but nonsignificant relationship with Cortisol was observed in both sexes.