THE EFFECT OF SEX-HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY ON BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AND MOODS IN ADOLESCENTS WITH DELAYED PUBERTY

Objective: The objective of this clinical study was to determine the e ffects of sex steroids on behavior and mood in adolescents with hypogo nadism. Study design: The experimental design consisted of a randomize d, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial lasting for 21 mo nths. The study group consisted of 39 boys and 16 girls recruited from a pediatric endocrine clinic for delayed puberty. Depo-testosterone ( to boys) or conjugated estrogens (to girls) was administered in 3-mont h blocks, alternating with placebo, at 3 dose levels approximating ear ly, middle, and late pubertal amounts. The Child Behavior Checklist, Y outh Self Report, Differential Emotion Scale, and Daily Mood Diary wer e administered after each placebo and treatment period to ascertain th e effect of sex sex steroids on self- and parent-reported behavior pro blems and moods. Results: The data demonstrated only one significant t reatment effect, namely, an increase in withdrawn behavior problems du ring administration of low-dose estrogen in girls. There were no consi stent sex differences. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that admi nistered testosterone or estrogen has minimal effects on behavior prob lems or mood in adolescents.