Endocrinology of male puberty.
OBJECTIVE
To review recent information leading to a better understanding of the endocrinology of male puberty, including information from earlier stages of life.


RESULTS
Differences in relative levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the neonatal period have been further described, as well as changes in inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone levels. Studies among men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism suggest a role for the 'minipuberty of infancy' in inhibin B levels. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog-stimulated LH levels at the age of puberty may be useful in diagnosing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Inhibin B levels are likewise useful in monitoring spermatogenic activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Data from fetal life (men born small for gestational age with evidence of a defect in steroidogenesis, relatively high LH:FSH ratio among very premature boys), neonatal period (attenuated rise of inhibin B after rFSH stimulation among men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism), and puberty (often demonstrable by LH levels alone, progressive rise of insulin-like factor 3 levels, and decrease of anti-Müllerian hormone levels as a consequence of FSH and LH stimulation), all enhance the understanding of the physiology of puberty.
Lewis
Katherine
K
Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
Lee
Peter A
PA
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000378:metabolism; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020738:Leptin / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D011627:Puberty / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D006062:Gonadotropins; D020738:Leptin