The effect of low dose oestrogens on short-term growth and concomitant biochemical phenomena in girls with tall stature

Abstract

Using a simple non-invasive ulnar length measuring technique a 70 to 80% decrease in ulnar growth velocity was found during one interval of 9 weeks of low dose ethinyloestradiol administration (0.050 mg daily) in girls with tall stature. This decrease in ulnar growth velocity was found to be statistically significant within 6 and even 3 weeks after starting oestrogen loading whereas the change in body growth velocity was only significant after 9 weeks. After interrupting oestrogen administration, ulnar growth velocities increased again but to values tending to be lower than before ethinyloestradiol loading. Serum alkaline phosphatase activities and plasma inorganic phosphorus and calcium levels also decreased significantly during oestrogen therapy within 9 weeks. The results found illustrate that the measuring technique used enables evaluation of the short-term effect of hormonal treatment on growth and thereby related biochemical phenomena.

Sex Steroid Treatment of Constitutionally Tall Stature

“…There is also evidence for a dose dependency as high doses of estrogens result in decreased growth velocity in both males and females (58,61,62). High-dose estrogen treatment decreased IGF-I levels in acromegalic patients as well as in tall girls (63,64).…”

Sex Steroid Treatment of Constitutionally Tall Stature*

“…Moreover, acute and chronic E 2 exposure may have different effects: acute infusions decrease whereas prolonged exposure may increase GH bioactivity (60). There is also evidence for a dose dependency as high doses of estrogens result in decreased growth velocity in both males and females (58,61,62). High-dose estrogen treatment decreased IGF-I levels in acromegalic patients as well as in tall girls (63,64).…”