Estradiol Valerate: Its Effects on Anabolism and Skeletal Age in the Prepubertal Girl

Abstract

In order to accelerate epiphysial maturation, 7 prepubertal girls who were of “excessive” height and whose parents were 178 cm or taller were given estradiol valerate, 10–20 mg 3 times monthly, over a period of one year or longer. Growth at the end of the first year averaged 10.4 cm, weight gain averaged 11.04 kg, and the bone age advanced 30 months. The average growth from the end of the first year of treatment until complete epiphysial closure was 6.3 cm. These data indicate that the treatment of excessive height in girls by the induction of premature puberty with estradiol valerate is of value. They also indicate that endogenous estrogens are responsible for the prepubertal growth and weight spurts, and at this time are, therefore, powerful anabolic agents.