Adrenarche

Adrenarche is the stage of childhood when the adrenal glands begin to make more androgens. These are the hormones behind early pubic hair, underarm hair, body odor and oilier skin. The signs usually begin between ages 6 and 8. The ovaries wake up later, so a girl can show these changes years before her first period.

The adrenal glands keep a role in hormone balance for life. One review of ovulation as a sign of health lists adrenal disease among the common hormone causes of poor ovulation. Thyroid, pituitary and metabolic causes sit on the same list.¹ Early or heavy adrenarche belongs in a girl's history. Once her periods begin, fertility charting keeps a better record than memory.