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Routine hormone load tests are unnecessary in infertile men
I Gerhard1, H K Lenhard, W Eggert-Kruse
1Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, and Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
Andrologia
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), and oestradiol (E), correlate with male fertility parameters. Thyroid and adrenal function do not impact sperm quality in men without endocrine disorders.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
Background:
- Male infertility affects a significant portion of couples seeking reproductive assistance.
- Hormonal imbalances are a known contributing factor to male infertility.
- Comprehensive assessment of hormonal profiles is crucial for diagnosing and managing male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum hormone concentrations and spermiogram parameters in men attending an infertility service.
- To assess the impact of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and ACTH stimulation on hormone levels and sperm quality.
- To determine if thyroid and adrenal function influence sperm parameters in men without diagnosed endocrine diseases.
Main Methods:
- Spermiograms were conducted on 225 men according to WHO guidelines.
- A hormone stimulation test involving gonadotropin-releasing hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and ACTH was administered.
- Serum concentrations of 15 hormones, including FSH, LH, prolactin, oestradiol (E), cortisol, and testosterone (T), were measured.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were observed between spermiogram results and serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), and oestradiol (E).
- Thyroid and adrenal function tests did not reveal any influence on sperm parameters in men without evident endocrinological conditions.
- Specific hormone levels directly impact key indicators of male fertility.
Conclusions:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), and oestradiol (E) are key hormonal indicators associated with male fertility.
- In the absence of endocrine disorders, thyroid and adrenal function do not appear to be significant factors affecting male reproductive parameters.
- Hormonal profiling, particularly of gonadotropins and sex steroids, is essential for evaluating male infertility.