TLDR Dexamethasone effectively normalizes elevated steroid levels in girls with premature adrenarche.
The study evaluated 18 girls with benign premature adrenarche, aged 3.0 to 7.8 years, focusing on clinical features and serum steroid levels. Clinical symptoms included pubic or axillary hair, acne, accelerated growth, adult-type perspiration, and oily skin or hair, with bone age advancing 0.3–3.2 years beyond chronological age. Accelerated growth was observed in 15 girls, often preceding pubic hair development. Five girls experienced severe acne requiring treatment. All patients had elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone levels, with androstenedione and testosterone showing positive correlation, and many had increased dihydrotestosterone. Dexamethasone administration effectively normalized the elevated steroid levels.
186 citations
,
February 1980 in “Clinical Endocrinology” During puberty, hormone levels rise, with early increases in some steroids and most menstrual cycles becoming regular by six years after menarche.
95 citations
,
September 1979 in “Acta Paediatrica” Girls have higher DHEA levels earlier in puberty than boys, indicating earlier development.
10 citations
,
February 2007 in “Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity” Low birthweight and rapid weight gain after birth may increase the risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome.
67 citations
,
July 2006 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Androgens cause skin issues like acne and hair growth in women, often due to PCOS, and can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
49 citations
,
January 2010 in “International Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology” The document concludes that Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia requires personalized treatment plans to manage symptoms and fertility, with glucocorticoids being a common therapy.
31 citations
,
January 2018 in “Pediatric annals” Early adrenal gland maturation in young children can be normal, but other serious conditions should be ruled out first.
January 2001 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks” Early signs of PCOS in girls, like irregular periods and polycystic ovaries, suggest a need for early diagnosis and intervention to prevent further health issues.
