Which adrenal androgen is predominantly produced when puberty begins?

Which adrenal androgen is predominantly produced when puberty begins?

• A. DHEA
• B. Estrogen
• C. Testosterone
• D. Androstenedione

Answer: (A)

At the onset of puberty, the adrenal glands enter adrenarche and increase production of androgens. The major adrenal androgen produced in this stage is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA acts as a prohormone that peripheral tissues can convert into testosterone or estrogens, contributing to early pubertal changes such as the development of body hair and other androgenic effects. While androstenedione is also produced by the adrenals, DHEA is the predominant one released during this period. Estrogen and testosterone come mainly from the gonads, not the adrenals, making DHEA the best answer for the adrenal source initiating puberty.

At the onset of puberty, the adrenal glands enter adrenarche and increase production of androgens. The major adrenal androgen produced in this stage is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA acts as a prohormone that peripheral tissues can convert into testosterone or estrogens, contributing to early pubertal changes such as the development of body hair and other androgenic effects. While androstenedione is also produced by the adrenals, DHEA is the predominant one released during this period. Estrogen and testosterone come mainly from the gonads, not the adrenals, making DHEA the best answer for the adrenal source initiating puberty.