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Plasma levels of testosterone, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) were estimated both before and after administration of clomiphene citrate to endocrinologically normal boys aged from 2–16 yr and to boys with adrenocortical hypofunction or hypogonadism. A divided daily dose of 200 mg/1·7 m² of surface area was maintained for 15 days. The unconjugated steroids were measured by means of a double isotope derivative technique and the sulphates by gas-liquid chromatography.

The boys without testicular anomaly who were well established in puberty responded with a rise in plasma testosterone. In contrast, prepubertal boys showed a statistically significant decrease in plasma testosterone levels.

A concomitant finding was a significant rise in the plasma levels of androstenedione, DHA and DHAS. It is concluded that clomiphene does not liberate luteinizing hormone before puberty but it may well diminish its secretion. A secondary effect of clomiphene is the stimulation of adrenal C₁₉-steroid production.