Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Function in Relation to Liver Function in Men with Alcoholic Cirrhosis

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Abstract
Serum concentrations of estrone, estradiol, FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were significantly (P < 0.01) raised in men with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (42) compared with age-matched controls (20). No significant difference was observed when comparing serum testosterone concentrations. Patients were divided into 3 groups in accordance with the severity of liver cirrhosis, using biochemical and clinical criteria. Patients with the best-preserved liver function (11) and patients with moderately affected liver function (18) had significantly (P < 0.05) raised serum concentrations of testosterone, FSH and LH when compared with controls and patients with severely affected liver function (13). Serum concentrations of testosterone, FSH and LH in the latter group showed no significant differences from the controls. Serum concentrations of estrone and estradiol were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in all patient groups, and serum estrone increased with decreasing liver function. No significant differences were observed concerning SHBG concentrations in the 3 groups of patients. Dexamethasone suppression did not change the concentration of testosterone significantly, but estrone and estradiol concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in controls and patients. In patients, but not in controls, a significant (P < 0.01) increase in FSH and LH concentrations was observed after dexamethasone suppression. The mean percentage increase of FSH and LH was higher as the severity of liver cirrhosis increased.