Abstract
The length and circumference of the penis were measured in 20 children and adolescents with isolated gonadotropin deficiency (IGnD) followed for many years in our clinic. It was found that 4 out of 5 had smaller than normal size penises even in the prepubertal age, one of them having been diagnosed as micropenis already at birth. Androgen therapy (Depot Testosterone or HCG) administered between 15 and 19 years of age caused a marked increase in penile size, many reaching normal length and circumferences. Our data is interpreted as evidence that pituitary gonadotropin, (probably mainly LH) secretion affects the penile size of the newborn and young child long before puberty. Once diagnosed treatment should be initiated already at younger age, between 11–13 years. This should enable normal virilization including development of the penis and prevent psychological problems at puberty. If gonadotropin deficiency is diagnosed in infancy treatment for a limited period might be theoretically indicated to mimic the high LH levels registered during infancy in boys.
*Established Investigator of The Chief Scientist's Bureau of Health.
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Laron, Z., Kaushanski, A. PENILE SIZE AND GROWTH IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH ISOLATED GONADOTROPIN DEFICIENCY. Pediatr Res 9, 671 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197508000-00040
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197508000-00040