Lack of Effect of Estrogens on Adrenal Androgen Secretion in Children and Adolescents with a Comment on Estrogens and Pubic Hair Growth

The study investigated the effect of oestrogen on adrenal androgen secretion in children and adolescents, focusing on those with premature adrenarche, gonadal dysgenesis, and exposure to high endogenous oestrogen levels. It was found that oestrogen did not increase adrenal androgen concentrations in these groups. Specifically, children with premature adrenarche had normal prepubertal oestrogen levels despite elevated DHEA-S, and oestrogen replacement in adolescents with gonadal dysgenesis did not alter adrenal androgen levels, even though some developed increased pubic hair. Additionally, high endogenous oestrogen levels in young children did not elevate adrenal androgen secretion. The study concluded that circulating oestrogens were not necessary for adrenarche activation or maintenance and did not significantly affect adrenal androgen levels. Pubic hair growth during oestrogen therapy might result from oestrogen's specific effect on androgen action at the target tissue rather than increased adrenal androgen secretion.