Changes of Blood Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Levels in Pediatric Age

Choi, Seung Kang; Lee, Jin Moo

Abstract

A study of changes in testosterone(T) and dihydrotestosterone(DHT) serum concentration was undertaken in children from 6 months to 15 year old age to elucidate the differences in concentration of T and DHT in pediatric age. In addition, change in T: DHT ratio was studied in all children. In same age group there was large individual variation even though they were considered to be normal in T and DHT levels. The results were 1. The T concentration in blood did not increase until the age of l2 year old, but sharply increase(7-8 times) and sustained from the age of 12 year old. 2. DHT showed constant level until the age of 6 year old and somewhat increased level (1.5 times) from the 7 year old age until 11 year old age. So total serumT was considered to be increased a little and converted to DHT promptly from the age of 7. 3.Seeing the T : DHT ratio at the beginning of puberty, the conversion of T to DHTwas considered to be slow in activation time than the T production.