Unconjugated Estrone, Estradiol and FSH and LH in Prepubertal and Pubertal Males and Females

Abstract

Thirty normal males and 30 normal females who were between the ages 10–14 yr inclusive, who on careful physical examination ranged from prepubertal to adult sexual development (Tanner Stages I–V) were each studied by measuring serum FSH, LH, estrone (E₁) and estradiol (E₂). Prepubertal females (Stage I) had higher values for estradiol, 10 pg/ml than males, 5 pg/ml (p < 0.005). Estrone was not significantly higher in prepubertal females. At each subsequent stage of puberty, both E₁ and E₂ were significantly higher in the girls (p < 0.05). Both estrogens correlated significantly with stage of puberty, osseous maturation, and with chronologic age in males and females. A significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between levels of both gonadotropins and levels of both estrogens in males, and between both gonadotropins and E₁ in females; E₂ correlated significantly with LH (r_s = 0.7), but poorly with FSH (r_s = 0.13).