Testicular growth and spermatogenesis: new goals for pubertal hormone replacement in boys with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism? -a multicentre prospective study of hCG/rFSH treatment outcomes during adolescence.

Rohayem J, Hauffa BP, Zacharin M, Kliesch S, Zitzmann M

Clinical endocrinology7 Sept 2016Cited by 96 (Europe PMC)

PMID27467188DOI10.1111/cen.13164PepBankPUB-27467188

Publisher page PubMedAsk about this study

Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: Publisher copyright. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study13

No result from this study comes from a test of the peptide.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone13

In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).

01HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In boys and adolescents with HH, quality of life increased in both groups during hCG/rFSH treatment.
In plain wordsIn boys and adolescents with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, quality of life increased in both groups during hCG/rFSH treatment.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
IncreaseQuality of life
Study
n = 60
Outcome group
Quality of life · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
QoL increased in both groups.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718813
02HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In prepubertal boys with HH, hCG/rFSH treatment increased bi-testicular volume from 5 ± 5 to 34 ± 3 ml.
In plain wordsIn prepubertal boys with HH, hCG/rFSH treatment increased combined testicular volume from 5 ± 5 to 34 ± 3 ml.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
IncreaseBi-testicular volume in group A
Study
n = 34
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Bi-testicular volume
5 ml
Group A, before hCG/rFSH treatment
Bi-testicular volume reported ± uncertainty (type not stated)
5 ml
Group A, before hCG/rFSH treatment
Bi-testicular volume
34 ml
Group A, after hCG/rFSH treatment
Bi-testicular volume reported ± uncertainty (type not stated)
3 ml
Group A, after hCG/rFSH treatment
Source sentences
Summary
BTVs rose from 5 ± 5 to 34 ± 3 ml in group A vs 5 ± 3 to 32 ± 3 ml in group B, with normal final BTVs (≥24 ml) attained in 74%/70% after 25/23 months in A/B, respectively.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718801
03HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In prepubertal boys with HH, 74% attained normal final bi-testicular volumes after 25 months of hCG/rFSH treatment.
In plain wordsIn prepubertal boys with HH, 74% reached normal combined testicular volume after 25 months of hCG/rFSH treatment.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
Not applicableNormal final testicular volume in group A
Study
n = 34
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Patients attaining normal final bi-testicular volume
74%
Group A, after 25 months of treatment
Normal final bi-testicular volume threshold
≥ 24 ml
Group A, normal final volume criterion
Source sentences
Summary
BTVs rose from 5 ± 5 to 34 ± 3 ml in group A vs 5 ± 3 to 32 ± 3 ml in group B, with normal final BTVs (≥24 ml) attained in 74%/70% after 25/23 months in A/B, respectively.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718803
04HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In adolescents with HH previously given testosterone, hCG/rFSH increased bi-testicular volume from 5 ± 3 to 32 ± 3 ml.
In plain wordsIn adolescents with HH previously given testosterone, hCG/rFSH increased combined testicular volume from 5 ± 3 to 32 ± 3 ml.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
IncreaseBi-testicular volume in group B
Study
n = 26
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Bi-testicular volume
5 ml
Group B, before hCG/rFSH treatment
Bi-testicular volume reported ± uncertainty (type not stated)
3 ml
Group B, before hCG/rFSH treatment
Bi-testicular volume
32 ml
Group B, after hCG/rFSH treatment
Bi-testicular volume reported ± uncertainty (type not stated)
3 ml
Group B, after hCG/rFSH treatment
Source sentences
Summary
BTVs rose from 5 ± 5 to 34 ± 3 ml in group A vs 5 ± 3 to 32 ± 3 ml in group B, with normal final BTVs (≥24 ml) attained in 74%/70% after 25/23 months in A/B, respectively.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718802
05HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In adolescents with HH previously given testosterone, 70% attained normal final bi-testicular volumes after 23 months of hCG/rFSH treatment.
In plain wordsIn adolescents with HH previously given testosterone, 70% reached normal combined testicular volume after 23 months of hCG/rFSH treatment.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
Not applicableNormal final testicular volume in group B
Study
n = 26
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Patients attaining normal final bi-testicular volume
70%
Group B, after 23 months of treatment
Normal final bi-testicular volume threshold
≥ 24 ml
Group B, normal final volume criterion
Source sentences
Summary
BTVs rose from 5 ± 5 to 34 ± 3 ml in group A vs 5 ± 3 to 32 ± 3 ml in group B, with normal final BTVs (≥24 ml) attained in 74%/70% after 25/23 months in A/B, respectively.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718804
06HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In prepubertal boys with HH receiving hCG/rFSH, sperm appeared in the ejaculate in 21/23 patients (91%).
In plain wordsIn prepubertal boys with HH receiving hCG/rFSH, 21/23 patients (91%) had sperm in their semen.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
Not applicableSperm in ejaculate in group A
Study
n = 23
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Patients with sperm in the ejaculate
21 patients
Group A, hCG/rFSH treatment
Patients with sperm in the ejaculate
91%
Group A, hCG/rFSH treatment
Source sentences
Summary
Sperm in the ejaculate were found in 21/23(91%)/18/19(95%), with plateauing concentrations after 31/30 months of hCG and 25/25 months of combined treatment in A/B.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718805
07HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In prepubertal boys with HH (group A), sperm concentrations plateaued after 31 months of hCG and 25 months of combined treatment.
In plain wordsIn prepubertal boys with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, sperm concentrations leveled off after 31 months of hCG and 25 months of combined treatment.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
Not applicableTime to plateau sperm concentration in group A
Study
n = 23
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Time to plateau sperm concentration
31 months
Group A, hCG treatment
Time to plateau sperm concentration
25 months
Group A, combined hCG/rFSH treatment
Source sentences
Summary
Sperm in the ejaculate were found in 21/23(91%)/18/19(95%), with plateauing concentrations after 31/30 months of hCG and 25/25 months of combined treatment in A/B.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718807
08HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In adolescents with HH previously given testosterone and receiving hCG/rFSH, sperm appeared in the ejaculate in 18/19 patients (95%).
In plain wordsIn adolescents with HH previously given testosterone and receiving hCG/rFSH, 18/19 patients (95%) had sperm in their semen.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
Not applicableSperm in ejaculate in group B
Study
n = 19
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Patients with sperm in the ejaculate
18 patients
Group B, hCG/rFSH treatment
Patients with sperm in the ejaculate
95%
Group B, hCG/rFSH treatment
Source sentences
Summary
Sperm in the ejaculate were found in 21/23(91%)/18/19(95%), with plateauing concentrations after 31/30 months of hCG and 25/25 months of combined treatment in A/B.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718806
09HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In adolescents with HH previously given testosterone (group B), sperm concentrations plateaued after 30 months of hCG and 25 months of combined treatment.
In plain wordsIn adolescents with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism who had taken testosterone before, sperm concentrations leveled off after 30 months of hCG and 25 months of combined treatment.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
Not applicableTime to plateau sperm concentration in group B
Study
n = 19
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Time to plateau sperm concentration
30 months
Group B, hCG treatment
Time to plateau sperm concentration
25 months
Group B, combined hCG/rFSH treatment
Source sentences
Summary
Sperm in the ejaculate were found in 21/23(91%)/18/19(95%), with plateauing concentrations after 31/30 months of hCG and 25/25 months of combined treatment in A/B.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718808
10HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In prepubertal boys with HH (group A) receiving hCG/rFSH, sperm concentrations were normal (≥15 mill/ml) in 61%.
In plain wordsIn prepubertal boys with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism given hCG/rFSH, 61% had normal sperm concentrations.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
Not applicableNormal sperm concentration in group A
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Patients with normal sperm concentrations
61%
Group A, hCG/rFSH treatment
Normal sperm concentration threshold
≥ 15 mill/ml
Group A, normal concentration criterion
Source sentences
Summary
Sperm concentrations were normal (≥15 mill/ml) in 61%/32%, with mean concentrations of 40 ± 73 vs 19 ± 38 mill/ml in A/B (n.s.).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718809
11HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In adolescents with HH previously given testosterone (group B) receiving hCG/rFSH, sperm concentrations were normal (≥15 mill/ml) in 32%.
In plain wordsIn adolescents with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism who had taken testosterone before, 32% had normal sperm concentrations on hCG/rFSH.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
Not applicableNormal sperm concentration in group B
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Patients with normal sperm concentrations
32%
Group B, hCG/rFSH treatment
Normal sperm concentration threshold
≥ 15 mill/ml
Group B, normal concentration criterion
Source sentences
Summary
Sperm concentrations were normal (≥15 mill/ml) in 61%/32%, with mean concentrations of 40 ± 73 vs 19 ± 38 mill/ml in A/B (n.s.).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718810
12HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesEfficacy outcome
In HH patients receiving hCG/rFSH, mean sperm concentrations were 40 ± 73 versus 19 ± 38 mill/ml in A/B, without significance.
In plain wordsIn boys and adolescents with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism on hCG/rFSH, average sperm concentration did not differ significantly between the two groups.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
No significant changeMean sperm concentration between groups
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Group B with previous testosterone replacement
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Measurements
Mean sperm concentration
40 mill/ml
Group A versus group B, hCG/rFSH treatment
Sperm concentration reported ± uncertainty (type not stated)
73 mill/ml
Group A, comparison with group B
Mean sperm concentration
19 mill/ml
Group B versus group A, hCG/rFSH treatment
Sperm concentration reported ± uncertainty (type not stated)
38 mill/ml
Group B, comparison with group A
Source sentences
Summary
Sperm concentrations were normal (≥15 mill/ml) in 61%/32%, with mean concentrations of 40 ± 73 vs 19 ± 38 mill/ml in A/B (n.s.).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718811
13HumanNot a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) aloneCase report or seriesOther
In HH patients receiving hCG/rFSH, outcomes were better without bilateral cryptorchidism, with non-congenital causes, and with higher baseline BTVs, inhibin B and AMH.
In plain wordsWith hCG/rFSH, better HH outcomes were linked to no bilateral cryptorchidism, non-congenital causes, and higher initial testicular volume, inhibin B and AMH.
Peptide
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Outcome
Not applicablePredictors of treatment outcomes
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Sex hormones and fertility · Reproductive and sexual health
Source sentences
Summary
Outcomes were better in patients without bilateral cryptorchidism, with non-congenital HH causes, higher baseline BTVs, and higher baseline inhibin B and AMH levels.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
HCG and rFSH were administered until cessation of testicular growth and plateauing of spermatogenesis to (1) prepubertal HH boys with absent or early arrested puberty (group A) and to (2) HH adolescents who had previously received full testosterone replacement (group B).
In this study, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
Report a problemFND-2746718812

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
14 Oct 2026, 05:02 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
14 Oct 2026, 01:46 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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