1. What Is Premature Adrenarche?
Premature adrenarche is an early increase in adrenal androgen production, resulting in the early appearance of pubic
and/or axillary hair without other sexual development (LynShue & Witchel, n.d.).
2. Will Premature Adrenarche affect
growth?
Bone age and growth velocity are usually normal, but may be slightly advanced—especially among overweight children
(LynShue & Witchel, n.d.).
3. Who is at risk for Premature Adrenarche?
Premature adrenarche is most commonly seen in African-American or Hispanic girls between the ages of 2 and 7 years old,
but is also present in boys, and other races. Premature adrenarche is often seen in association with obesity or central nervous
system (CNS) lesions (LynShue & Witchel, n.d.).
4. What are the risks of having Premature Adrenarche?
Evidence is emerging that some girls with premature adrenarche may have an increased risk to develop polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS) as adolescents or adults. Girls with PCOS have an increased risk to develop impaired glucose tolerance, type
2 diabetes mellitus, or the metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle modification should be encouraged for children with premature adrenarche
because of its potential to decrease the risk to develop PCOS and its associated morbidities (LynShue & Witchel,
n.d.).
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