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[The sexual function of men with acromegaly]
Problemy Endokrinologii
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Acromegaly can impair male sexual function, with 50% experiencing issues linked to lower hormones. Hyperprolactinemia is common, negatively correlating with sexual function, but radiation therapy showed no long-term adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone, can affect various bodily functions.
- Male sexual dysfunction is a reported complication in some acromegalic patients.
- Hormonal imbalances, including prolactin levels, are implicated in sexual health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of sexual dysfunction in male acromegaly patients.
- To explore the correlation between hormonal levels (LH, FSH, testosterone, prolactin) and sexual function.
- To assess the long-term impact of radiation therapy on male sexual function in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Hormonal assays were performed to measure luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and prolactin (PRL).
- Male sexual function was assessed, and a summary index (SFM) was calculated.
- Patients underwent assessment of LH response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration.
- Long-term follow-up data on sexual function for patients treated with radiation therapy, including proton-beam therapy, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 50% of male acromegalic patients exhibited weakened sexual function.
- A decrease in LH, FSH, and testosterone levels was observed in affected patients.
- Hyperprolactinemia was present in 84% of patients, showing a negative correlation with the male sexual formula (SFM).
- No significant difference in LH response to GnRH was found between patients with normal and disturbed sexual function.
- Radiation therapy, including proton-beam therapy, did not negatively impact male sexual function long-term.
Conclusions:
- Male sexual dysfunction is prevalent in acromegaly, often associated with hormonal disturbances like hyperprolactinemia.
- While hormonal imbalances correlate with sexual function, the pituitary's response to GnRH is not a distinguishing factor.
- Radiation therapy, particularly proton-beam therapy, appears safe for maintaining male sexual function in acromegalic patients post-treatment.