Serum hormone levels in men with end stage renal disease

Serum concentrations of testicular and adrenal androgens and androgen precursors, cortisol, unconjugated (E1) and total estrone (tE1; greater than or equal to 85% E1 sulfate), pituitary hormones, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin were measured in 14 male patients with non-diabetic end stage renal disease and in 28 age-matched healthy controls. The serum levels of the adrenal androgens 4-androstene 3,17-dione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) were significantly lower and the levels of cortisol, LH, prolactin and tE1 significantly higher in the patients than in the controls. The ratios between E1 and tE1 and between DHA and DHA sulfate were strongly decreased in the patients. The findings are suggested to reflect different effects of the disease upon the metabolism of cortisol and of adrenal androgens and also the reduced or even absent urinary excretion, leading to a decreased metabolism of steroid conjugates.