Liver damage and sex hormones in chronic male alcoholics

The hormonal status of thirteen chronic male alcoholics with histologically proved alcoholic liver cirrhosis and that of sixteen non-cirrhotic chronic alcoholics with a similar drinking history were studied after the abstinence of 7-14 days. Low levels of plasma testosterone and moderately elevated concentrations of plasma LH were seen in cirrhotics but not in non-cirrhotics. In cirrhotics, testosterone values showed positive correlations with levels of serum albumin and plasma prothrombin. The responses of LH and FSH secretions to LHRH stimulation were similar in the two groups as were the basal FSH values. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol were within normal limits in all patients. In both groups however, basal levels of plasma PRL and oestrone were increased, significantly more so in cirrhotics than in non-cirrhotics. The latter group was characterized by an exaggerated response of PRL secretion to TRH stimulation. SHBG concentrations were within normal range in both groups. In conclusion, our results emphasize the role of alcohol-induced liver damage in the pathogenesis of sex hormone disturbances of chronic male alcoholics without neglecting, however, the direct effects of alcohol abuse itself.