Sex Hormone Treatment for Female Children and Young Adults with Disorders Affecting Hypothalamic, Pituitary, and Ovarian Function.

Background: Normal hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) endocrine function is essential for female pubertal and psychosocial development and for ongoing adult physical, sexual, and psychosocial health. Girls with hypogonadism, any endocrine disorder causing abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or with contraception needs may require sex hormone treatment. Challenges include evolving needs of a young girl through the course of sexual maturation, potential health risks related to the use of sex hormones for pubertal induction, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), menstrual management, and/or contraception.