Increased incidence of thyroid disease among men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism

An association between hypothyroidism and hypogonadism has been described in the syndrome of autoimmune polyglandular failure and in Klinefelter's syndrome. The incidence of thyroid disease among males with hypogonadism was evaluated. Patients were divided into those with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (Group I; n = 19) and those with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (Group II; n = 17), according to their serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone. Nine cases of thyroid diseases were encountered in Group I; these included benign and malignant thyroid tumors, hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and hypothyroidism due to amiodarone therapy. Only one case of thyroid disease (hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis) was found in Group II (p less than 0.01). Patients of Group I were also significantly older than patients of Group II (51 +/- 4 versus 37 +/- 4 years; p less than 0.01); and patients with thyroid diseases were also older than those without thyroid disorders (60 +/- 6 versus 43 +/- 6 years, p less than 0.1). It is concluded that older subjects with hypogonadism and long-term elevation of levels of serum gonadotropins should undergo careful evaluation of thyroid gland morphology and function.