Abstract
Oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) was used in 5 untreated prepubertal (G1PHI) boys (aged 12.1-17.1 yr) with hypogonadism and delayed puberty. The aim was to induce puberty by mimicking the pubertal diurnal variation of testosterone (T) thus achieving optimal growth and virillsation without disproportionate skeletal maturation. TU 40 mg was administered daily after a standard breakfast for 6 months. Plasma and salivary T levels were monitored for 10 hours with the first dose and repeated at 3 and 6 months. After 6 months, pubertal ratings had progressed to G2-3/PHI-3 with no significant change in testis size. Mean height velocity Increased from 3.40±0.63 to 7.10±0.95 cm/yr. Advance of BA/CA ratio was 0.95±0.40. Peak and mean total T declined at 3 and 6 months. Mean free T Index increased at 6 months but peak free T Index was not significantly altered as a result of the SHBG fall. Salivary T and plasma T profiles were closely correlated being within the range for G4. Sailsfactory initiation of puberty can be achieved with oral TU. Apparently high total T peaks observed at the start of treatment reflected prepubertal SHBG concentrations but free and salivary T levels produced by 40 mg TU were appropriate for mid to late puberty. Careful monitoring of treatment and individual dosage adjustment are indicated.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wu, F., Butter, G., Walker, R. et al. 128 ORN. TESTOSTERONE UNDECANOATE IN THE INDUCTION OF MALE PUBERTY. Pediatr Res 24, 538 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198810000-00149
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198810000-00149