Development of external genitalia during mini-puberty: is it related to somatic growth or reproductive hormones?

Abstract

Although hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis is active during mini-puberty, its relationship with somatic growth and the role on the development of external genitalia has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the effects of somatic growth and reproductive hormones on the development of external genitalia during mini-puberty. MethodsAnthropometric data, pubertal examination, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione (A4), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol (E2) and inhibin-B, testosterone (T) and anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) of healthy infants aged 1-4 months were evaluated. Free sex hormone index was calculated as T/SHBG for boys and E2/SHBG for girls. ResultsThe mean age of 148 (74 female) infants included in the study was 2.31 ± 0.76 months. Tanner stage 2-3 sex steroid and gonadotropin levels were observed. A statistically signi cant difference was found between the weight, height, BMI, weight gain and serum FSH, LH, A4 measurements of girls and boys (p < 0.05). Penile length was associated with weight (r = 0.24, p = 0.03), height (r = 0.25, p = 0.02) and AMH (r = 0.3, p = 0.01), but not with testosterone (p = 0.56 respectively). A negative correlation was found between weight and serum LH (r=-0.26, p = 0.2) and T/SHBG levels in males (r=-0.38, p = 0.015 respectively). Weight-SDS was negatively correlated with testosterone in males (r=-0.25, p = 0.02). Testicular size and breast stage did not correlate with any of the hormonal and anthropometric parameters. ConclusionsExternal genitalia in males during mini-puberty is related more to somatic growth rather than reproductive hormones. Similar pubertal developmental stages, total and free testosterone is associated negatively with higher weight in mini-puberty.