How to Interpret Sex Hormone Panel for Precocious Puberty in Children?

Six sex hormones in children, including luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P), and testosterone (T), are primarily used to assess whether precocious puberty is present, mainly through LH, FSH, and E2. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Also known as lutropin, it is a hormone secreted by pituitary gland cells. If the level is between 3.5~5.0 IU/L, it may indicate precocious puberty.

2. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): It is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that promotes the formation of sperm and the development of ovarian follicles. It cannot solely determine whether precocious puberty is present. However, if the ratio of LH to FSH is greater than 0.6, it is likely to be precocious puberty.

3. Estradiol (E2): It is the most active form of estrogen and promotes the development of reproductive organs. If the level exceeds 75 pg/ml, it is likely to be precocious puberty.

After obtaining the results of the six sex hormone tests, they should be promptly provided to a doctor for professional diagnosis. If precocious puberty is diagnosed in a child, cooperation with the doctor for conditioning or treatment is necessary.