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adrenarche
Pronunciation: ad-ren-AR-kee
The onset of adrenal androgen production during childhood, typically between ages 6-8.
Full Definition
Adrenarche refers to the physiological increase in adrenal androgen production that occurs independently of gonadarche (gonadal maturation). This process typically begins between ages 6-8 years and results in the development of body odor, axillary and pubic hair, and sometimes mild acne. Premature adrenarche occurs when these signs appear before age 8 in girls or age 9 in boys, requiring evaluation to exclude pathological causes.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from gonadarche; both processes contribute to overall pubertal development.
In Context
- "The patient showed signs of normal adrenarche with appropriate timing for chronological age." — Pediatric endocrine assessment
- "Premature adrenarche was diagnosed after excluding other causes of early androgen excess." — Clinical diagnosis documentation
Also known as
adrenal maturation
Don't confuse with
gonadarche
thelarche
pubarche