Baseline follicle-stimulating hormone is a strong predictor for the outcome of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone test in young men with unilateral medium- or high-grade varicocele.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate whether the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) test is an adequate diagnostic tool to identify testicular dysfunction in men with strictly unilateral varicocele and defined testicular volume; and to identify any peripheral venous variable which would predict the result of the GnRH test.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In all, 102 GnRH tests were done in men with a left-sided varicocele. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were determined. After intravenous administration of 100 microg GnRH, stimulated LH and FSH levels were measured. FSH levels of >8.2 U/L and LH levels of >51.7 U/L were considered exaggerated.

RESULTS:

In all, 50 men had an exaggerated GnRH test result; all had an exaggerated FSH response and six also had an elevated LH response. The baseline FSH levels were higher (P < 0.001) and the testicular volume was smaller (P < 0.01) in men with an exaggerated GnRH test response. All men with a baseline FSH level of >5.6 U/L had an exaggerated GnRH test response.

CONCLUSION:

A baseline FSH level of >5.6 U/L is a good predictor of the GnRH test outcome. Leydig cell function seems mainly undisturbed.

• Authors: Thorsten Bach, Dietrich Pfeiffer, Roland Tauber
• Journal: BJU international (BJU Int) Vol. 98 Issue 3 Pg. 619-22 (Sep 2006) ISSN: 1464-4096 [Print] England
• PMID: 16925763 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
• Luteinizing Hormone
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (blood)
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
• Humans
• Infertility, Male (blood, etiology)
• Leydig Cells (physiology)
• Luteinizing Hormone (blood)
• Male
• Testicular Diseases (blood, diagnosis)
• Varicocele (diagnosis)