Abstract

GARCIA CUARTERO, B.. Pubarche, Adrenarche, Hirsutism. Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria [online]. 2009, vol.11, suppl.16, pp.143-154. ISSN 1139-7632.

Premature pubarche is one of the chief complaints in paediatric endocrinology. It appears to be more common in girls, and seems to be unrelated to the pubertal maturation. Adrenarche is the most common cause of premature pubarche due to a maturational in-crease in adrenal androgen production. A carefully exam should be performed to exclude other causes of premature pubarche as non classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Recently, longitudinal studies have showed that girls with premature pubarche, particulary those small for gestational age, went on to develop oligomenorrhea, and hirsutism, during puberty, all criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Treatment for these cases include oral contraceptives, adding antiandrogens if the response is suboptimal after 6 months, and hair removal therapy.

Keywords : Premature pubarche; Adrenarche; Hirsutism; Hyperandrogenism; Polycysticovary syndrome.

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