Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Male adolescents with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) or delayed puberty start pubertal induction from 12–14 years. Testosterone obtains secondarysexual characteristics and improves psychosocial well being. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) or recombinant FSH (rFSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) generate testicular growth (fertility) and testicular testosterone production. HCG-rFSH treatment increase testis size and improves the quality of life of HH.

Aim and Method: This retrospective study (2014–2018) examines the pubertal induction results with rFSH+testosterone followed by rFSH+HCG (rFSH+T - rFSH+HCG) in male adolescent with HH in a single clinic.

Results: Seven boys (16.2 y±0.7) opted for the rFSH+T - rFSH+HCG treatment (2 still on the treatment). The fertility laboratory was accessed by 4 of the 5 patients who completed the treatment (a patient opted not have sperm analysis). Sperm banking was successful in 3 (1 azoospermic).

Conclusions: In less than 18 months, the rFSH+T - rFSH+HCG treatment enables the duplication of the initial testicular volume in HH. Adolescent interest in the gonadotropin treatment seemed related to obtaining testis enlargement as well as sperm production. Sperm banking decision and success rate are affected by the individual’s background condition. The study also confirm that LHRH test didn’t add information to the basal gonadotropin measurement. Prospective controlled studies will need not only to compare the gonadotropin treatment in terms of sexual maturation results and treatment length but also to explore the adolescents prospective and pshychophisical needs in order to improve the counselling professionals provide.