Premature adrenarche is the appearance of pubic hair  before puberty. It  may happen if the adrenal hormones start working earlier than expected or it could be a normal part of growth and development. Puberty usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 14 for girls. If a child has premature adrenarche, changes occurs before age 8 for  girls  and  before age 9 for boys.

What are the signs of premature adrenarche ?

The signs include he following :

• Pubic hair growth
• Unexplained and rapid growth (often above the 90th%)
• Oily skin
• Underarm odor often requiring the use of deodorants

How is premature adrenarche diagnosed ?

The doctor will ask about  when the hair growth started and where else hair growth is noted (such as in the armpits). He  will then perform a physical exam, which may include checking for any breast growth and other signs of possible early puberty.  A blood test will be done to check hormone  level and check and x-ray of the hand and wrist (a Bone Age) to determine if this is a normal variant or if treatment for precocious puberty is warranted.

How is it treated ?

There is usually no treatment for premature adrenarche. For some children, the doctor will want to see them in 3 to 6 months to monitor puberty changes. It is essential to explain to your child that it is normal to experience bodily changes at different ages.