Salivary Testosterone Levels and the Progress of Puberty in the Normal Boy

Abstract

Salivary testosterone (ST) levels were measured in 84 boys aged 7.3-16.2 from the Edinburgh Growth Study. The correlation coefficient between matched plasma/saliva samples was 0.88. Six samples were collected over the course of one day from 0900 to 2100 h each month in the majority of the children for 4 consecutive months. Mean daily ST levels showed a significant rise between each pubertal stage (genital (G) and pubic hair (PH]. The rise in ST became more rapid once a mean testicular volume (MTV) of 10 ml had been reached. The diurnal rhythm was assessed by individual curve fitting on the log scale and by cosinor analysis. A rhythm was present prepubertally and developed into a pattern similar to that of the adult rhythm by stage G3. The monthly rate of rise of ST was greatest at stage G4. A significant rise in ST levels was detectable immediately prior to an increase in MTV to 3 ml. This allowed earlier recognition of the clinical onset of puberty at testicular volume of 3 ml, which in this group occurred at 10.9 (SD 0.9) years. ST is a non-invasive and sensitive method for the serial monitoring of gonadal function in the prepubertal and adolescent boy.

Salivary testosterone and creative musical behavior in adolescent males and females

“…This result is in accord with Butler et al (1989) who assessed adolescent boys and with Magrini et al (1986) who measured salivary testosterone in adults. Significant differences in salivary testosterone between the follicular and the luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in the older girls fit the outcome in adult females (Khan-Dawood et al, 1984).…”

“…Salivary testosterone proved to be a noninvasive and sensitive method for the serial monitoring of gonadal function in the prepubertal and adolescent boys (Butler et al, 1989). We wanted to document salivary testosterone changes during puberty in both boys and girls.…”

Reproductive ecology and life history of the human male

“…Both LH and FSH circulate within the blood stream and stimulate target cell receptors within the testes. Sertoli cells respond to FSH by producing sperm cells, while Leydig cells produce testosterone under stimulation of LH (Butler et al, 1989). Testosterone and E2 circulate back to the hypothalamus and pituitary, completing a negative feedback loop that downregulates GnRH and LH production.…”

Testosterone and pubertal development as predictors of sexual activity: a panel analysis of adolescent males.

“…with one or two subjects at any given round beginning blood donation after 8:00 PM. Although there is a large drop in T levels between morning and afternoon hours, late afternoon and early evening levels are nearly flat (22). The average difference between collection times for different rounds of data collection within individual boys was an hour.…”