ANDROGEN PRODUCTION IN HYPOGONADAL MEN

Abstract

SUMMARY 1. Various parameters of androgen metabolism have been studied in a group of 11 hypogonadal men. They included the rates of: 17-oxosteroid excretion, total production of C-19 steroids, secretion of testosterone and total production of testosterone (including testosterone converted peripherally from other steroids). The concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione were also measured in peripheral and testicular venous plasma. In addition the effects of stimulation and suppression of adrenocortical function and of testicular stimulation were studied. 2. The patients were divided into three groups according to clinical features, gonadotrophin excretion and testicular histology and an attempt was made to correlate these tests with the steroid studies. 3. Patients with poorly developed secondary sexual characteristics had a low testicular secretion of testosterone. There was also an indication that in these cases the adrenal gland contributed significantly to the plasma testosterone. 4. Methods involving estimations of androgens in blood are shown to be of more value than estimations in urine. In some instances anomalous results were obtained for the rates of secretion of testosterone. The possible significance of these anomalies is discussed.