THE EFFECT OF ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF NORETHISTERONE IN OLIGOSPERMIC MALES

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of norethisterone (20 mg daily per os for 25-70 days) in 6 oligospermic males has been studied. As a result of this treatment: 1) The gonadotrophin excretion in all subjects fell significantly within two weeks and remained low as long as the steroid was administered. 2) In two cases a significant decrease of 17-ketosteroid excretion occurred, the other four subjects remaining, however, virtually unaffected in this respect. 3) No statistically significant effect on 17-hydroxycorticosteroid and oestrogen excretion could be demonstrated. 4) Azoospermia was observed in 5 subjects, the sixth also showing a substantial decrease in spermatozoa concentration. 5) It was further observed that the decrease of gonadotrophin excretion preceded (4 cases), or coincided (2 cases) with the reduction of the sperm count. In no single case did the diminution of the spermatozoa concentration in the semen precede the fall in the amount of gonadotrophin in the urine. 6) No effect on the concentration of fructose in the sperm plasma was noted.