Adrenarche refers to the onset of increased production of adrenal androgens in childhood leading variably to clinical signs of androgen action. The prevalence and presentation of adrenarche in prepubertal girls and boys is not well known.
Our objective was to examine the prevalence and clinical presentation of adrenarche in a population sample of prepubertal children aged less than 9 years.
This cross-sectional study included prepubertal children (209 girls and 228 boys; median age 7.6 [range 6.8-8.9] years) taking part in The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study.
The prevalence of adrenarche was assessed.
The prevalence of any clinical sign of androgen action was higher in girls than in boys (26.1% vs 10.0%; P