EFFECT OF SYNTHETIC ANDROGENS ON THE HYPOTHALAMIC- PITUITARY-GONADAL AXIS (HPGA) IN BOYS WITH CONSTITUTIONALLY DELAYED GROWTH (CD) AND ISOLATED GROWTH HORMONE (GH) DEFICIENCY

Abstract

Fourteen boys with CD were tested with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) before and at the end of 6 mo Rx with Kluoxymesterone (F), 10 mg/d (Group I), or Oxandrolone (Ox), 0.15-0.2 mg/kg/d (Group II), to assess the effects of these androgens on the HPGA. At initiation of Rx, 7 boys in Group I, 15.1-16.7 yrs, had bone ages (BA) 12-14 yrs and were in stage 2 puberty while 7 boys in Group II, 10.2-15.9 yrs had BA 7-13 and most were prepubertal. PreRx Δ max LH rise to GnRH was normal in each boy: Grp i, x̄ 31.5 mIU/ml (range 16-55); Grp II, x̄ 18.2 mIU/ml (range 7-32). Δ Max FSH responses were variable. At the end of 6 mo Rx, all but one boy in Grp I and 4/7 boys in Grp II had significantly lower Δ max LH responses (34-89% reduction) without consistent change in Δ max FSH. Plasma testosterone (T) was reduced by 57-96% when preRx level was >1 ng/ml. Eight boys were restudied 6 mo after completion of Rx: Δ Max LH and T were = preRx levels indicating recovery of the HPGA. All had acceleration of linear growth (3.8-8.9 cm/6 mo) and progressive testiculsr enlargement without excessive BA advancement. Seven prepubertal boys treated with HGH 2 IU 3x/wk for GH deficiency were studied before and after 6 mo Ox Rx. Both x̄ Δ max LH and FSH and basal LH were significantly lower during Rx. Non-aromatizable anabolic steroids reversibly suppress GnRH responsiveness in both prepubertal and pubertal boys and basal LH in prepubertal boys. Short term androgen Rx facilitates physical and psychological maturation in selected boys with CD.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD