What signifies the start of adrenarche?

The onset of adrenarche is marked by an increase in adrenal androgens, which are hormones produced by the adrenal glands. This physiological process typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 10 and signals the beginning of sexual maturation in children.

During adrenarche, there is a rise in the secretion of androgens, particularly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate form (DHEAS), which contributes to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as pubic and axillary hair. While other developmental milestones, such as thelarche (the development of breast tissue) and the onset of menstruation, occur later in puberty, they are consequences of the hormonal changes initiated during adrenarche and the associated increase in adrenal androgens.

Understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial; adrenarche specifically refers to the increase in adrenal gland activity before the changes associated with gonadarche, which is the activation of the gonads (ovaries or testes) and subsequent development of more pronounced secondary sexual characteristics. Thus, the increase in adrenal androgens is the correct answer that signifies the start of adrenarche.