Premature Adrenarche

What is adrenarche? How will a healthcare provider evaluate Adrenarche is part of . Specifically, it is the my child for premature adrenarche? development underarm and , , oily skin • Your provider will ask when puberty changes were and hair, and . It is caused by first noticed, puberty timing in family members and called which are made by the adrenal glands. if the child was potentially exposed to something Adrenarche usually happens around the time with hormones in it. of puberty when there is a growth spurt, • Physical exam, including checking for breast growth, and eventually periods start. This process development, signs of pubic hair growth, external usually occurs over 2 to 3 years. genitalia, and a skin exam. Adrenarche can start as early as age 8 and on average • Review of growth charts to look for the start of a begins to occur by age 10. However, adrenarche may growth spurt. occur slightly before or slightly after the other signs of puberty. • x-ray of the hand. • Lab tests including levels may be ordered at the initial evaluation or at a follow-up visit. What is premature (early) adrenarche? Premature adrenarche is the growth of pubic or When would a healthcare provider want to , body odor or acne before the age of 8. If do further evaluation? there are no other pubertal changes (specifically no breast growth, a growth spurt or menstrual bleeding), • If there are other signs of puberty prior to age 8 the pubic/underarm hair is considered a normal • Pubic hair is growing rapidly variation in development. • Advanced bone age However, healthcare providers monitor children with • Severe acne premature adrenarche to make sure that they do not also develop precocious (early) puberty, which can be • Enlargement of the clitoris treated.

What follow-up is needed?

Can premature adrenarche be harmful? Your child should have close follow-up with their primary care provider, pediatric endocrinologist or Generally, premature adrenarche is not harmful. gynecologist every 4-6 months until reaching the Premature adrenarche does not require medical normal age for puberty onset. treatment. Children with premature adrenarche may Children with premature adrenarche are at increased need help with treating acne or removing unwanted risk in the future for conditions such as polycystic hair. syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes, especially if they are also overweight. Healthcare providers may screen more closely for these conditions as the child gets older.

Published: 11/2020 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology www.naspag.org