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.

 

child sleeping

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.

 

 

Content Sources
Premature Adrenarche.Boston Children’s Hospital. http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/p/premature-adrenarche. Accessed September 13th, 2020

Premature Adrenarche: Information for Parents. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Premature-Adrenarche-Information-for-Parents.aspx. Accessed September 13th, 2020

Pediatric Premature Adrenarche (PA). Children’s Health. https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/premature-adrenarche. Accessed September 13th,2020

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