IS TESTICULAR ENDOCRINE FUNCTION ABNORMAL IN YOUNG MEN WITH SPINAL CORD INJURIES?

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Abstract
Plasma concentrations of FSH, LH [luteinizing hormone], testosterone and prolactin were studied in 17 men, aged 19-38 yr, with traumatic paraplegia. Plasma testosterone, FSH and LH values were normal in all patients. The median LH concentration in patients was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in controls, but there was no difference for FSH or testosterone. Plasma prolactin was high in 5 patients and the median prolactin concentration in patients was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than in controls. There is no evidence of primary testicular failure in younger paraplegics, but it is possible that testicular hypofunction in some paraplegics may be related to increased prolactin production.