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The pituitary gland produces 2 hormones (called gonadotropins) involved with forming the male sex organ (penis) before birth and
sexual development (puberty). These hormones (FSH-follicle stimulating hormone; and LH- Leutinizing
hormone) signal the male sex gland (testicle) or female sex gland (ovary) to
produce the sex hormones ( male-testosterone; female-estrogen and progesterone).
Before birth these hormones cause a boy's penis to form normally. Boys missing these pituitary hormones can be born with a smaller than normal sized penis. Treatment with hormones can usually make the penis grow to normal size. Often these treatments are given during the first year of life. During teenage years (adolescence), these hormones cause a boy or girl to mature sexually (go through puberty) and enable them to make babies (reproduce). They also control a woman's periods (menstrual cycles). Without these hormones, a person's sexual development is delayed, a girl's periods are absent or irregular, and it is difficult to father a child or become pregnant. When problems with sex hormones are suspected, the endocrinologist will perform blood tests. The first time these tests should be done is when your child is less than 8-9 months of age or at the time of diagnosis. If a problem is found, male or female hormones will be given to replace the missing hormones. With proper treatment most people with this problem are able to develop sexually, have normal sexual function, and make and have babies normally. |
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