Testotoxicosis

Definition

Definition of Testotoxicosis
Familial male precocious puberty (also called testotoxicosis) is a form of gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty in which boys experience early onset and progression of puberty. Signs of puberty can start as early as an age of 1 year.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Testotoxicosis
Symptoms may include: premature male puberty; aggressiveness; reduced adult stature; premature voice deepening; premature armpit hair growth; premature gential hair growth; and tall stature for the child's age.

Causes

Causes of Testotoxicosis
TCCP may be caused by normal puberty as a result of activation of hypothalamus with anterior pituitary release of LH and FSH. There is no identifiable cause in 95% (idiopathic) while most cases are sporadic, not familial.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Testotoxicosis
Ultrasonography is a sensitive test that helps in the evaluation of the ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Testotoxicosis
Consult with your doctor.

Treatment

Treatment of Testotoxicosis
Treatment includes: Idiopathic TCPP (No treatment is required if there are no psychological issues and patient is close to pubertal age; Short stature and psychosocial issues are the potential consequences of withholding treatment); TCPP can be treated with GnRH analog; premature adrenarche and thelarche warrant close follow-up; removal of adrenal or ovarian/testicular mass if detected; treatment of intracranial lesion if diagnosed (Gonadotropin-independent McCune-Albright syndrome; Aromatase inhibitors (testolactone) have been tried with some success); and psychological support if indicated.

Prevention

Prevention of Testotoxicosis
Consult with your doctor.