Estrogens promote growth: Experimental and clinical evidence

Abstract

Although increasing estradiol levels accompany the pubertal growth spurt in girls our understanding of the effects of estrogens on growth has been dominated by the experience with high doses in tall girls. - In male Wistar rats castrated on age day 27 and treated with ethinylestradiol (EE)(250-25-2.5-1-0.25 μg/kg BW d s.c.) until age day 45 the three highest doses showed to be inhibiting body growth, GH, SM and gonado tropins. The lowest dose however enhanced body growth. The effects on bone maturity were inversely related to dose. In girls with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHD) treated with low doses of EE (5μg/d p.o.) corresponding observations were made. In 5 patients (CA:x̄=18.0 yrs.; BA:x̄=12.3 yrs) treated for 6-12 mo. with EE(-and constance of other medication-) height velocity increased from x̄=3.4 to 4.5 cm/yr. without unduely advancing BA, but inducing signs of puberty. Preliminary observations suggest positive effects on growth with EE doses suboptimal in respect to the induction of the female sex characteristics.