The Effects of Estrogens on Linear Bone Growth
oestrogens linear bone growth pubertal growth spurt oestrogen receptors ER gene polymorphisms aromatase deficiency androgen insensitivity syndrome growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-I axis GH-IGF-I axis aromatase inhibitors epiphyseal fusion estrogens growth spurt estrogen receptors growth hormone IGF-I aromatase inhibitors
TLDR Estrogens are key for bone growth spurts in both boys and girls and affect growth into adulthood.
The document from July 1, 2001, discusses the role of oestrogens in regulating linear bone growth during childhood and adolescence. It suggests that oestrogens, traditionally thought to influence growth mainly in girls, are also the principal hormone stimulating the pubertal growth spurt in boys. This is supported by the presence of oestrogen receptors in the human growth plate and the impact of ER gene polymorphisms on adult height. The paper reviews evidence from individuals with mutations causing oestrogen resistance or aromatase deficiency, who lack a normal pubertal growth spurt and continue growing into adulthood, and from females with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome who experience a normal growth spurt without androgen action. Additionally, oestrogens may indirectly affect growth by modulating the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-I (GH-IGF-I) axis, as evidenced by changes in GH secretion following ER or androgen receptor blockade and the effects of aromatase inhibitors on IGF-I levels and growth. The findings indicate that oestrogens have a biphasic action on growth, stimulating bone growth at very low levels without affecting sexual maturation, and at higher levels, promoting secondary sexual characteristics and epiphyseal fusion.
