Premature Thelarche–Natural History and Sex Hormone Secretion in 68 Girls

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Data obtained during long-term follow-up of 68 girls with premature thelarche were analyzed. In 85% onset was before the age of 2 yr, in 30.8% being present at birth. In 44.1% there was a regression after 3 yr and 2 mo. .+-. 2 yr and 8 mo. (SD). Basal levels of plasma FSH and response to LHRH were significantly higher than prepubertal controls (1.93 .+-. 1.56 vs. 0.8 .+-. 0.1 mU/ml and peaks 12.3 .+-. 5.4 vs. 7.9 .+-. 1.0 mU/ml, respectively; P < 0.001). Of 52 patients tested, 27 had increased plasma estradiol and in 27 of 40 patients tested, urocytograms or vaginal smear showed estrogenization. Basal levels of LH [luteinizing hormone ] and response to LHRH were prepubertal. The girls with premature thelarche were significantly taller than normal controls of the same age (P < 0.001). Premature thelarche is an incomplete form of precocious sexual development probably due to derangement in the maturation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis which results in a higher than normal secretion of FSH, as well as a defect in the peripheral sensitivity to the sex hormones.