New and Consolidated Therapeutic Options for Pubertal Induction in Hypogonadism: In-Depth Review of the Literature
December 2021
in “
Endocrine Reviews
”
TLDR There are various effective hormone treatments for puberty induction in boys and girls with hypogonadism, and starting treatment early is important.
The document reviews therapeutic options for pubertal induction in patients with hypogonadism, a condition where the body doesn't produce enough sex hormones. For males, testosterone is the most common treatment, with various forms of administration including intramuscular testosterone esters, oral testosterone undecanoate, and testosterone gels. Gonadotropin treatment is also a viable alternative. For females, pubertal induction involves the administration of both estrogens and progesterone, with 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) being the preferred choice due to its increased safety and efficacy. The document emphasizes the importance of early treatment initiation after delayed puberty diagnosis and the need for larger randomized trials to define the best approaches for both sexes. It also highlights the importance of clinical monitoring for potential side effects and the need for individualized treatment plans based on the patient's specific characteristics and circumstances.