Pubarche induction with testosterone treatment in women with panhypopituitarism

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of T therapy in the induction of pubic hair growth in women with congenital panhypopituitarism. Prospective clinical study. Patients followed at the University Endocrinology Clinic. Four women with congenital panhypopituitarism, showing no pubic hair development, currently treated with substitutive therapy with L-thyroxine, cortisone acetate, and estrogen-progestin combination. 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. Evaluation of pubarche stages (according to Tanner classification of stages). 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. A cautious T treatment represents an effective and safe approach to the problem of pubarche induction in women with congenital panhypopituitarism.