Females produce testosterone, though in much lower quantities than males (about 1/10th to 1/20th of male levels). In females, testosterone is produced in two main locations:
A more powerful version of testosterone converted locally within the hair follicles to stimulate terminal hair production. The Biological Process: Adrenarche vs. Puberty what hormone causes pubic hair growth in females
To understand the process fully, we must look at the specific hormones involved and their origins. Puberty To understand the process fully, we must
Another precursor hormone produced by both the adrenal glands and the ovaries. Here's how: In conclusion, to attribute pubic hair
Androgens, particularly DHT, play a crucial role in the development of pubic hair. Here's how:
In conclusion, to attribute pubic hair growth in females to a single hormone is a reduction that obscures the elegant complexity of endocrinology. The proximate cause is the action of at the androgen receptor of the pubic hair follicle. DHT is derived from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Testosterone, in turn, is largely derived from the peripheral conversion of the adrenal weak androgens DHEA and DHEA-S . The secretion of these adrenal androgens is triggered by pituitary ACTH during the developmental event known as adrenarche. Therefore, the complete answer is a hormonal cascade: ACTH → Adrenal DHEA-S → Testosterone → DHT → Androgen Receptor . This system ensures that pubic hair appears at the appropriate age, independent of ovarian function, serving as a biological marker of adrenal maturity. It is a powerful reminder that in the symphony of puberty, no single instrument plays alone; it is the layered interplay of conductor, section, and soloist that produces the final, visible melody.
To summarize the review: