What is adrenarche?

What is adrenarche?

• A. A rapid acceleration in growth caused by the release of growth hormones, thyroid hormones, and androgens.
• B. Onset of menopause.
• C. The period of age 6-9 when adrenal glands increase production of weak androgens.
• D. Development of primary sex characteristics.

Answer: (C)

Adrenarche is the maturation of the adrenal glands that leads to increased production of weak androgens (like DHEA) around ages 6 to 9. This early hormonal change occurs before the onset of gonadal puberty and the development of primary sex characteristics, marking a distinct stage from later puberty. It helps explain early signs such as pubic hair and body odor, which are driven by these adrenal androgens rather than by growth spurts or gonadal hormones. It is not menopause and it is not the development of primary sex characteristics—that belongs to gonadarche.

Adrenarche is the maturation of the adrenal glands that leads to increased production of weak androgens (like DHEA) around ages 6 to 9. This early hormonal change occurs before the onset of gonadal puberty and the development of primary sex characteristics, marking a distinct stage from later puberty. It helps explain early signs such as pubic hair and body odor, which are driven by these adrenal androgens rather than by growth spurts or gonadal hormones. It is not menopause and it is not the development of primary sex characteristics—that belongs to gonadarche.