adrenarche

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adrenarche (ad-ren-ar-ki) n. the start of secretion of androgens by the adrenal glands, occurring at around 6–7 years of age in girls and 7–8 in boys. Adrenal androgens are dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulphate, and androstenedione. Compare gonadarche.