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Feminization of chronic alcoholic men: a formulation
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine
|March 1, 1979
Summary
This review examines factors causing feminization in men with Laennec's cirrhosis, including hormonal imbalances. A new hypothesis links hypogonadism, cirrhosis, and shunting to this condition.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Laennec's cirrhosis is associated with feminization in men.
- Several factors have been historically implicated in this process.
- The role of hormonal imbalances, particularly the estrogen to androgen ratio, is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review historical and current scientific data on factors contributing to male feminization in Laennec's cirrhosis.
- To discuss recent hypotheses regarding the estrogen to androgen ratio.
- To propose a new pathogenic mechanism for feminization in alcohol-induced cirrhosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific data.
- Analysis of historical and recent hypotheses.
- Synthesis of findings on hypogonadism, cirrhosis, and portal-systemic shunting.
Main Results:
- Objective data supporting and refuting historical factors were evaluated.
- The significance of an altered estrogen to androgen (E/T) ratio in pathogenesis is discussed.
- A hypothesis integrating hypogonadism, cirrhosis, and shunting is presented.
Conclusions:
- Feminization in Laennec's cirrhosis is multifactorial.
- An altered E/T ratio may play a role.
- Hypogonadism, cirrhosis, and portal-systemic shunting offer a unified pathogenic explanation for alcohol-induced cases.