MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Paracrine and endocrine control of the growth hormone axis by estrogen

There is a strong biological link between the growth hormone (GH) and gonadal systems in growth, development metabolism; however, regulatory interactions are poorly understood. Advances estrogen biology endocrine physiology have provided insights into mechanistic links two systems. Estrogens synthesized from androgens by aromatase which widely distributed extragonadal tissues. Local generation of estrogens raise possibility paracrine control as an additional level to classical regulation GH system. To explore links, we review pharmacology estrogen, effects replacement, antagonism, impact inhibition on system well metabolic sequelae. In men, derived drive central secretion GH, independent androgen receptor. hypogonadal women, physiological replacement via parenteral route evokes no effect while receptor antagonism deprivation induce disparate effects, providing consistent evidence that regulate or mechanisms. However, delivery oral inhibits hepatic IGF-1 production, turn increasing reduced feedback inhibition. This route-dependent compounds function induces detrimental women. conclusion, action complex impart route- gender-dependent manner. The sequelae mimicking, antagonizing, depleting estrogens, should be considered tailoring optimizing their use.