Synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in impotent male diabetics

We compared the effect of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) 500 micrograms 8-hourly and placebo on sexual function in impotent diabetic males. These patients had no obvious vascular or neurological disease and no major psychological disorders to account for their impotence. Basal serum testosterone concentrations were normal in all. Five patients had elevated basal gonadotropin concentrations and/or exaggerated gonadotropin responses to LH-RH. During the first week of the LH-RH treatment there was a significant rise in LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations. The LH levels remained elevated throughout the second week of treatment, whereas the FSH returned to pretreatment values. There was no change in hormone concentration during placebo therapy. Clinical responses to treatment were assessed by a self-evaluating questionnaire relating to (i) sexual function and libido; (ii) erectile potency; and (iii) general well-being. There was no significant change within each category, but taken together a significant improvement was found with both LH-RH and placebo treatment. There was no difference between the two forms of treatment.