Pubarche 755413 126185726 2007-04-26T17:38:47Z Vid2vid 3771721 /* See also */ '''Pubarche''' refers to the first appearance of [[pubic hair]] in a child. Pubarche is one of the physical changes of [[puberty]] but should not be equated with it since it may occur independently of complete puberty. Pubarche usually results from rising levels of [[androgen]]s from the [[adrenal gland]]s or [[testis|testes]] but may also result from exposure of a child to an [[anabolic steroid]]. When pubarche occurs prematurely (in early or mid-childhood), it is referred to as '''''premature pubarche''''' and may warrant an evaluation. Premature [[adrenarche]] is the most common cause of premature pubarche. Rarer causes include [[precocious puberty]], [[congenital adrenal hyperplasia]], and [[androgen]]-producing tumors of the adrenals or [[gonad]]s. When adrenarche, central puberty, and all pathologic conditions have been excluded, the term '''''isolated premature pubarche''''' is used to describe the unexplained development of pubic hair at an early age without other hormonal or physical changes of puberty. ==See also== *[[Puberty]] *[[Adrenarche]] *[[Androgen]]s *[[Menarche]] *[[Thelarche]] == References == [http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1882.htm e-medicine] [[Category:Human development]] [[Category:Sexuality and age]] {{developmental-biology-stub}} [[de:Pubarche]] [[es:Pubarquia]] [[pl:Pubarche]]