The changes of sex hormones among male alcoholics in the early abstinention

Abstract

Background and aims:

The most prominent endocrinology disturbance among alcoholics is male hipogonadismus. This paper deals with the effects of early abstinence on gonadal hormones.

Method:

A total group of non-cirrhotic male primary alcoholics, without malnutrition, (N=40) aged from 20-60 years was consecutive recruited during inpatient treatment. They meet ICD-10 criteria for alcohol dependence and were compared with 20 matched healthy controls. The blood samples for testosterone, estradiol and SHBG (sex-hormone binding globuline) were collected at day 1 and 28. The plasma levels of hormones (RIA) differences between groups were tested by Student t-test.

Results:

There was significant higher concentration of estradiol and SHBG at alcoholics vs. controls, and significant lower concentration of testosterone at alcoholics compared with controls. Repeated assessment after 28 days showed non-significant elevation of testosterone and decrease of SHBG, but significant decrease of estradiol. All values were between normal range.

Conclusion:

There is trend of development of hipogonadismus and secondary feminisation at male alcoholisc without prominent liver damage, which may be transient and resolve during early abstinence.