Question

Fourteen-year-old Kent recently received his blood test results. The test results indicate an eighteenfold increase in testosterone levels and a twofold increase in estradiol levels over the past few years. It appears that Kent

A) is experiencing normal changes during puberty.
B) will be put on hormone therapy to correct the significant imbalances in hormonal levels.
C) has abnormal levels of male sex hormones.
D) has abnormal levels of female sex hormones.

Answer 1

Kent is experiencing normal changes during puberty with an increase in testosterone and estradiol levels. These changes are within the normal range for hormonal changes during puberty.

Step-by-step explanation:

Kent is experiencing normal changes during puberty. During puberty, the pituitary gland signals the testes to secrete testosterone in boys, which leads to secondary sexual characteristics such as a deepening of the voice, the growth of facial, axillary, and pubic hair, and the beginnings of the sex drive. It is also normal for estradiol levels to increase in boys during puberty, although at a lower level compared to testosterone. In this case, the 18-fold increase in testosterone levels and 2-fold increase in estradiol levels are within the normal range of hormonal changes during puberty.