[Evaluation of FSH and Leydig cells function in patients with varicocele]

The endocrine alterations in patients affected with varicocele are heterogenous in relation to some clinical aspects: orchidometry, bilateral lesion, decreased spermatozoa count and disease history. The decreased function of Leydig cells in patients affected with varicocele is related to alterations of the serotonin metabolism and to the impairment of testosterone biosynthesis. An exaggerated increase of FSH and LH after GnRH stimulation can be observed. The response to GnRH stimulation can predict a positive outcome of surgical treatment of infertile patients with varicocele. Finally it was to be emphasized the role of an increased 17 OH-progesterone/testosterone ratio and of the loss of the inverse relationship between inhibition and FSH values.