The effect of chlormethiazole on serum gonadotrophins and testosterone in chronic alcoholics

Serum gonadotrophins (LH and FSH) and testosterone concentrations were estimated by radioimmunoassay in 7 male chronic alcoholics on admission and following treatment with chlormethiazole for 6 days. Individual and mean values of serum LH and FSH were within normal limits both before and after treatment, but serum testosterone concentrations were found to be slightly higher than normal on both occasions. Chlormethiazole does not seem to have any effect on serum gonadotrophins or testosterone. It is further suggested that chlormethiazole does not interfere with the hypothalamic releasing factors for pituitary gonadotrophins and that it has no direct effect on testicular endocrine functions.