Effect of testosterone and estradiol in a man with aromatase deficiency

The case of a man with excessive growth illustrates the role that estrogen plays in bone maturation. He continued to grow after the age of 18 and by the age of 31, his height was in the 97th percentile. At that time he was evaluated for persistent growth, infertility and bone pain. X-rays revealed that his bones had not matured and continued to grow. His testosterone concentration was normal and his condition was unchanged by six months of testosterone treatment. Genetic analysis revealed a mutation in the gene for cytochrome P-450 aromatase. When his height exceeded the 97th percentile he was treated with estrogen, which caused his bones to mature.