Serum gonadotropins, testosterone and prolactin in azoospermic men in relation to the histopathological changes

ABSTRACT

Serum follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], testosterone and prolactin levels in relation to histopathological appearance were studied in 32 azoospermic men. Histologically, they were classified into four groups; normal[25%], sertoli-cell-only syndrome [28.1%], maturation arrest [25%] and focal tubular atrophy [21.8%]. In azoospermic men with normal histological findings, gonadotropins and testosterone levels were within the normal values. In other groups associated with histological changes, gonadotropins were significantly raised. Testosterone had a significant lower levels than normal in cases of maturation arrest. Prolactin levels were normal in all azoospermic men. These findings suggested the importance of hormonal determination for evaluation and management of male infertility