 |
 |
 |
 Concern
 Treatment
Pregnancy
Experiences
Treatment
|
 |
FSH, LH and testosterone
Endocrine measurements are of limited value in
male infertility, but are essential in azoospermia (absence of
sperm) or severe oligospermia (reduced sperm). It is usual to
measure plasma FSH, LH and testosterone.- The measurement of serum FSH can be valuable
in distinguishing patients with azoospermia (absence of sperm) who
have obstruction (normal FSH) from those who have seminiferous
tubule destruction (raised FSH). However, recent data indicate that
in azoospermic (absence of sperm) men an obstruction cannot be
excluded even if FSH is substantially raised, provided that at
least one of the testes is of normal size.
- In 30% of men with severe oligospermia
(reduced sperm) or azoospermia (absence of sperm) resulting from
severe damage to the seminiferous epithelium, LH hormone
concentrations are high and testosterone levels are low.
- High levels of FSH with a low testosterone
usually indicate primary testicular failure.
- Low levels of gonadotropins with low
testosterone, seen in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, can be
corrected with hormone replacement therapy and has a relatively
good prognosis.
- Rarely, high levels of gonadotropins and
androgens occur. This usually signifies androgen insensitivity and
may respond to high doses of androgen
supplementation.
|
|
 |
|
|
Home
Merck Serono
