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Levels of DHEA-S, a major adrenal androgen, throughout life in humans [1] Adrenarche occurs starting at the age of 6 years. [4] [5] After the first year of life, the adrenal glands secrete very low levels of adrenal androgens. [1] Adrenarche begins on average between age 5 to 8 in girls and between 7 and 11 in boys, and precedes puberty by ...
Adrenal hormones, especially glucocorticoids such as cortisol, are essential for prenatal development of organs, particularly for the maturation of the lungs. The adrenal gland decreases in size after birth because of the rapid disappearance of the fetal zone, with a corresponding decrease in androgen secretion. [39]
Experimental manipulation of androgen levels in utero or shortly after birth can alter adult reproductive behavior. [4] Girls and women with CAH constitute the majority of genetic females with normal internal reproductive hormones who have been exposed to male levels of androgens throughout their prenatal lives.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and androgen in males. [4] In humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testicles and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] It results from the deficiency of one of the five enzymes required for the synthesis of cortisol in the adrenal cortex . [ 3 ]
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones. The adrenal glands—also referred to as the adrenal cortex—normally secrete glucocorticoids (primarily cortisol), mineralocorticoids (primarily aldosterone), and androgens.
Androgens, or sex hormones, are synthesized in the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex known as the zona reticularis. These hormones, such as estrogen in females and testosterone in males, are commonly known for promoting sexual characteristics and the maturation of reproductive organs of the respective gender.
Androgens that bind to and activate the androgen receptor have numerous physiological functions which can broadly divided into androgenic (male sexual development) and anabolic (building muscle and bone). The anabolic effects are important in both males and females, although females have lower circulating levels of androgens.