Puberty in boys: correlation of plasma levels of gonadotropins (LH, FSH), androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate), estrogens (estrone and estradiol) and progestins (progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone)

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1975 Sep;41(3):556-62. doi: 10.1210/jcem-41-3-556.

Abstract

Mean serum concentration dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), DHA sulfate (DHAS), progesterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-P), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and androstenedione (A) were compared from 43 boys followed longitudinally for as long as 4 yr during puberty. These data were also compared with serum levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone. Elevation is recognized early in puberty for DHAS, late in puberty for P and A, and gradually throughout puberty for E1, 17-OH-P, and DHA. When compared by age, the same general pattern is apparent with adult levels of E1 reached at age 12, DHAS and E2 by 13, and DHA, P, 17-OH-P, and A not until after age 15. Significant elevations of DHA occurred with the onset of pubic hair and voice change; elevations of DHAS occurred with the onset of genital and axillary hair growth; and testosterone increased with the onset of genital and pubic hair growth and voice change.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Androgens / blood*
  • Androstenedione / blood
  • Child
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / blood
  • Estradiol / blood
  • Estrogens / blood*
  • Estrone / blood
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyprogesterones / blood
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood*
  • Male
  • Progesterone / blood
  • Progestins / blood*
  • Puberty*

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Estrogens
  • Hydroxyprogesterones
  • Progestins
  • Estrone
  • Androstenedione
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone