[Puberty in congenital hypothyroidism (author's transl)]

Puberty was studied in 95 patients with congenital hypothyroidism treated between 1953 and 1977 from the first months or first year of life. Pubertal abnormalities were observed in 13 cases: 1. Delayed puberty in 11 cases (late diagnosis in 6 cases, insufficient treatment in 2 cases, delayed puberty in the family in 1 case). 2. An amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndrome was observed in two cases with insufficient treatment. In the other cases, the outcome of puberty seemed within the normal range. However a careful study showed: 1st. A delay of every stage of puberty, 2nd. The absence of the peak of high velocity in some cases. 3rd. The age of menarche was 13 years 8 months (9 years 1 month-16 years 6 months) (normal girls: 13 years). Final height was dependent upon an early and efficient treatment, and upon a fast catch up of growth and bone maturation.