The growth effects of estrogen therapy in 37 adolescent girls with gonadal dysgenesis associated with various X chromosomal abnormalities were investigated. Nineteen patients (group 1) were treated at a mean of 14.3 years, and 18 patients (group 2) were treated at an average of 17.2 years. Final height was independent of the age estrogen therapy was initiated. Nevertheless, the growth responses to estrogens of groups 1 and 2 were different. For group 1, growth velocity significantly increased from 3.0 to 4.2 cm per year over the first year of therapy; for group 2, the corresponding velocities were not significantly different. Mean midparental height was significantly correlated with final height; however, karyotype, estrogen dosage, and duration of therapy were not significantly related to final height. The authors conclude that earlier estrogen therapy alone for patients with gonadal dysgenesis does not significantly compromise final height and produces development more in keeping with their normal adolescent peers.
