ESTROGEN TREATMENT IN TALL GIRLS

Abstract

Thirty-six tall girls aged 10.3-15.5 y were treated with ethinylestradiol (0.5 mg/day) and norethisterone (15 mg/day). To date treatment for 17 girls was completed. Before treatment their bone age ranged from 11.0-13.5 yr and mean height prediction was 185.19 cm (181.40-193.00 cm). After about 2 yr of treatment their final height averaged 178.96 cm (171.60-183.50 cm). Predicted height was reduced by an average of 6.23 cm. The reduction in final height was significantly greater when therapy was started before a bone age of 12 yr. Thirteen girls, re-examined after discontinuation of therapy, all had regular menstrual bleeding within 6 mo. There were no serious or irreversible side effects during the period of observation.