Endocrine evaluation in infertile men with varicocele

Steroidal and gonadotropic secretion were studied in infertile men with varicocele. Hormonal values were compared with those from control groups. No significant difference was found between control and pathologic groups in relation to prolactin secretion. FSH and LH showed increased basal values in 16% and 8% these cases in the group studies. Exaggerated gonadotropic response to LH-RH was observed in 33.3% of the patients. Basal testosterone and estradiol levels were found to be reduced in 18% and 30% of the cases, respectively. Testosterone response to LH-RH was also depressed in men with varicocele. Significant correlations were still observed between FSH and LH, LH and testosterone and testosterone and estradiol in infertile men with varicocele. These findings suggest both a tubular and interstitial involvement in varicocele and support the hypothesis of a Leydig cell deficiency in this pathology.