Finally, the tempo and extent of pubic hair growth are modulated by other factors. and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) synergize with androgens to promote follicle proliferation. This is why conditions of hyperinsulinemia, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), often lead to excessive terminal hair growth (hirsutism) in an androgen-dependent pattern. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the hair follicle itself varies by body region. The pubic and axillary follicles are genetically programmed to be highly responsive to low levels of androgens, whereas follicles on the face or chest in females typically require higher levels to be stimulated—hence their appearance in pathological states like PCOS.
Pubic hair growth in females is a normal part of puberty, and it's primarily influenced by the presence of androgens, a class of steroid hormones. The main hormone responsible for pubic hair growth in females is , a weakly androgenic hormone produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries. what hormone causes pubic hair growth in females
During puberty, the pituitary gland starts to produce , which stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and androgens , including androstenedione. Androstenedione is then converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) , a potent androgen that stimulates the growth of pubic hair. Finally, the tempo and extent of pubic hair
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: Furthermore, the sensitivity of the hair follicle itself
Once released into the bloodstream, DHEA and DHEA-S circulate as relatively weak androgens. They must be converted into more potent forms to exert a strong biological effect on the pubic hair follicle. This conversion occurs locally within the skin and the hair follicle itself. The key enzyme is , which converts testosterone into the much more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT) . It is DHT that is the ultimate effector molecule. DHT binds to the androgen receptor (AR) on the dermal papilla cells at the base of the hair follicle with an affinity several times higher than testosterone. This binding activates a genetic program that transforms the fine, unpigmented vellus hair of childhood into the coarse, pigmented, and curly terminal hair of the adult pubic region.
Produced by the adrenal glands, this is often the first hormone to increase during a process called adrenarche .