EFFECTS OF ESTROGEN OR TESTOSTERONE ON SELF-REPORTED SEXUAL-RESPONSESAND BEHAVIORS IN HYPOGONADAL ADOLESCENTS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of administra tion of sex steroids on self-reported sexual responses and behaviors i n hypogonadal adolescents. We used a randomized, double blind, placebo -controlled, cross-over, clinical trial as the experimental design. Th e subjects were 39 boys and 16 girls with delayed puberty. We treated girls with oral conjugated estrogen and boys with testosterone enantha te in 3 dose levels intended to simulate early, middle, and late puber tal levels. We administered a modification of the Udry sexual behavior questionnaire after each S-month placebo and treatment period to dete ct the effect of sex steroids on self-reported sexual behaviors and re sponses. We employed a strict intent to treat statistical analytical m odel. The data showed significant effects of the administration of tes tosterone to boys causing increases in nocturnal emission and touching behaviors at the mid- and high doses. No other treatment effects on s exual behaviors or responses were seen in boys. For girls, there was a significant increase in necking caused by the administration of estro gen only at the late pubertal dose. No other treatment effects on sexu al behaviors or responses were seen in girls. We noted some gender dif ferences for thinking about sex, sexual ''turn-on,'' and the nature of sexual behavior. The administration of physiological doses of sex ste roids to boys or girls with delayed puberty have few effects on sexual behaviors and responses.