Abstract
We determined the stage of sexual maturation and serum concentrations of luteinizing (LH) and follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and testosterone (T) in 26 males admitted into a drug/alcohol abuse (DAA) program. Eleven males from the private practices of the investigators in whom there was no evidence of DAA consented to serve as control subjects (Cont).The characteristics of these groups were:DAA-chronologic age (CA) 13.4-22 years,bone age 14.5 years-adult,weight age/height age 1.01;Cont-CA 13.8-17 years, WA/HA 1.02. Penile length (DAA 11.4±0.4 cm,Cont 10.7±0.5cm) and pubic hair stage (DAA 5.1±0.3,Cont 4.1±0.4) were comparable in the two groups. The testicular volume index (TVI) was calculated. The data (X̄±SEM) were:
In 5/6 DAA restudied 8-12 months after enrollment in treatment serum T concentrations increased significantly (at enrollment T=217±33, at follow up T=362±33 ng/dl, p<0.01, N=6). We conclude: 1)Genital and pubic hair growth are not affected by DAA; 2)Serum concentrations of LH and T are significantly depressed in DAA; 3)T concentrations increase following drug/alcohol withdrawal; 4)DAA may selectively inhibit LH secretion in adolescent males.
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Diamond, F., Ringenberg, L., McDonald, D. et al. THE EFFECT OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE UPON SEXUAL MATURATION IN ADOLESCENT MALES. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 96 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00020
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00020