Testosterone Regulates the Haemoglobin Concentration in Male Puberty

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Abstract
In a longitudinal study of male puberty 20 boys were examined every three months for at least two years. Hemoglobin concentration was determined and related to changes in serum testosterone concentrations. The data show a steep increase in serum testosterone during puberty (P < 0.001) followed with a five months delay, by a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration (P < 0.001). It is concluded that the steep increase in serum testosterone during puberty produces an acute stimulation of erythropoietin leading to an increase in erythrocyte production and thereby to a detectable increase in hemoglobin concentration a few months thereafter. The present study supports the idea that the selection of the relevant reference range for hemoglobin in boys should depend on the state of physical developments as expressed by serum testosterone.