Puberty in boys: Correlation of plasma levels of gonadotropins (lh, fsh), androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate), estrogens (estrone and estradiol) and progestins (progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone)

Mean serum concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), DHA 'sulfate (DHAS), progesterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-P), estrone (E₁, estradiol (E₂), and androstenedione (A) were compared from 43.boys followed longitudinally for as long as 4 yr during puberty. These data were also compared with serum levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone. Elevation is recognized early in.puberty for DHAS, late in puberty for P and A, and gradually throughout puberty for E, 17-OH-P, and DHA. When compared by age, the same general pattern is apparent with adult levels of E₁ reached at age 12, DHAS and E2 by 13, and DHA, P, 17-OH-P, and A not until after age 15. Significant elevations of DHA occurred with the onset of pubic hair and voice change; elevations of DHAS occurred with the onset of genital and axillary hair growth; and testosterone increased with the onset of genital and pubic hair growth and voice change.