Insulin resistance in prepubertal African-American and Hispanic girls with premature adrenarche: a risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Recently, the modest hyperandrogenism of premature adrenarche has been linked to the more severe hyperandrogenism of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The presence of hyperandrogenism, obesity, acanthosis nigricans, hyperinsulinism and reduced insulin sensitivity in girls with premature adrenarche and in women with PCOS suggests that the two conditions might have a common mechanism. As the early appearance of pubic hair might be the first presentation of hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, these girls should have continued.