Glucocorticoids: their role on gonadal function and LH secretion

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate gonadal function and LH reserve in patients on chronic therapy with supraphysiological doses of GC. We clinically evaluated 17 male subjects (aged 23-56 years-old) on chronic GC therapy. In four subjects (aged 23-39 years-old) randomly selected, three basal blood samples were drawn and pooled for measurement of SHBG, total, free and bioavailable testosterone. Following baseline samples, a GnRH stimulation test was performed. Starting with a priming of 5 micrograms, a bolus of 50 micrograms of GnRH was injected intravenously and samples obtained every 30 minutes for assessment of LH. Four healthy men (aged 24-28 years-old) were used as controls. Patients on steroids referred decreased libido (58%) and impotence (52%) and lower back pain (41%). Total, free and bioavailable serum testosterone were significantly lower than controls (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively) while SHBG levels persisted unchanged. Baseline LH and its rise after GnRH was normal. This study shows that chronic GC administration involves gonadal function reducing sexual steroids without changes in baseline and stimulated LH secretion. In addition, the priming with physiological doses of GnRH optimizes the pituitary response to higher GnRH doses.