Pubarche induction with testosterone treatment in women with panhypopituitarism

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of T therapy in the induction of pubic hair growth in women with congenital panhypopituitarism.

Design: Prospective clinical study.

Setting: Patients followed at the University Endocrinology Clinic.

Patients: Four women with congenital panhypopituitarism, showing no pubic hair development, currently treated with substitutive therapy with L-thyroxine, cortisone acetate, and estrogen-progestin combination.

Interventions: A long-acting T preparation (25 to 50 mg) was given IM each month; serum T levels were determined before and after 12 and 24 months of therapy.

Main outcome measure: Evaluation of pubarche stages (according to Tanner classification of stages).

Results: Patients developed pubarche (Tanner stage 3 to 5) after 3 to 18 months of T therapy. Testosterone levels were within the normal range during treatment. No hirsutism or other side effects were recorded.

Conclusion: A cautious T treatment represents an effective and safe approach to the problem of pubarche induction in women with congenital panhypopituitarism.