Andrology-Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Androgen Therapy in Adolescents: A Review

Ashraf T Soliman, Vincenzo De Sanctis and Mohamed Yassin

Constitutional Delay of Growth and Puberty (CDGP) and hypogonadism are the two most common indications for Testosterone (T) therapy in adolescents. CDGP is a transient state of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism associated with prolongation of childhood phase of growth, delayed skeletal maturation, delayed and attenuated pubertal growth spurt. In pre-pubertal male with CDGP, T therapy can be used to induce pubertal development, accelerate growth and relieve the psychosocial complaints. However, some issues in the management are still unresolved. These include type, optimal timing, dose and duration of sex steroid treatment and the possible use of adjunctive or alternate therapy. In adolescents with permanent hypogonadism T therapy is used to induce then maintain pubescent development. Testosterone therapy enables the patient to decrease mood disturbances, fatigue, impaired virilization and osteoporosis. The use of anabolic drugs to enhance athletic performance has become a major concern for professional sport organizations, sport governing bodies and governments. This mini review aims at providing an update for androgen therapy in adolescents. Endocrinologists and physicians should be acquainted with the indications, the forms, optimal timing, monitoring, dose titration and possible side-effects of T therapy to accomplish the best pharmacological outcome. In addition, it is believed that through education and research we can mitigate the abuse of androgens by adolescent athletes.