Pubertal gynecomastia coincides with peak height velocity

Objective: pubertal gynecomastia (pg) occurs in up to 65% of adolescent boys. in this study,we investigated the relationship between the ages at which pg and peak height velocity occur in pubertal boys. methods: this was a prospective study that was designed to detect pg within three months of its emergence. we examined one hundred and six boys who were followed for short stature and/or delayed puberty at three month intervals,and gynecomastia was observed in 43 of these boys (40.5%). results: pg occurred in the 43 boys within a year of their peak height velocity,and most of these boys were at tanner stage 3 for pubic hair and had testicular volumes between 8-10 ml. conclusion: it is recommended that evaluation of height growth be included in the diagnostic approach to pg in boys with short stature and/or delayed puberty. the coincidence of age of peak height velocity and pg suggests a causal relationship between the two events and a role of insulin-like growth factor-1. © journal of clinical research in pediatric endocrinology,published by galenos publishing.