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[Prolactin and male fertility]
Zeitschrift Fur Die Gesamte Innere Medizin Und Ihre Grenzgebiete
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Prolactin (PRL) levels correlate with reduced libido and gynecomastia but not with sperm parameters or testicular histology. Hyperprolactinemia diagnosis may need revision based on these findings.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Andrology
- Reproductive Medicine
Context:
- Investigated the role of prolactin (PRL) in male reproductive health.
- Included patients with erectile dysfunction and/or fertility issues, including those with diabetes.
- Compared hormone levels with clinical, spermatological, and testicular findings.
Purpose:
- To determine the correlation between serum prolactin levels and various aspects of male sexual function and fertility.
- To assess the diagnostic value of prolactin determination in male reproductive disturbances.
- To evaluate the relationship between prolactin and other key reproductive hormones like LH, FSH, testosterone, and estradiol.
Summary:
- Radioimmunological determination of PRL, LH, FSH, testosterone, and estradiol in 68 patients and 14 controls.
- Found a significant correlation between elevated PRL and decreased libido and gynecomastia.
- No correlation was observed between PRL levels and ejaculate volume, sperm count, sperm motility, or testicular histology.
- No significant relation was found between PRL and LH, FSH, testosterone, or estradiol levels.
Impact:
- Suggests the diagnostic utility of prolactin testing is limited in male reproductive dysfunction.
- Highlights the importance of considering libido reduction and gynecomastia alongside fertility issues when assessing hyperprolactinemia.
- Recommends a revision of hyperprolactinemia diagnostic criteria, as high PRL levels (>800 mU/l) did not consistently correlate with more pathological andrological findings compared to lower levels (<200 mU/l).