Effect of exogenous glucocorticoids on male hypogonadism

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of exogenous glucocorticoids (GCs), a potent cause of male hypogonadism, on the function of the hypothalamicpituitary-gonadal axis, and to determine their secondary effects in male patients. The present study was a case-controlled study conducted in Basrah, Iraq. Of the 152 participants who met the inclusion criteria, 100 patients used different types of GCs. Of these 100 patients, 57 patients (57%) were current GC users, and 43 patients (43%) were not currently using GCs (had not used GCs in the past 30 days). The control group was comprised of 52 men (34.21%), considered as healthy participants, although 7 men (13.65%) were biochemically diagnosed with hypogonadism. Current GC exposure significantly decreased the total and free testosterone levels, whereas previous GC exposure increased estradiol (E2) levels, with the 31 patients on oral dexamethasone (cumulative dose, 18.9 mg) exhibiting a 7.5-fold increased risk of being diagnosed with hypogonadism. For previous GC users, a significant increase in the E2 level was observed, whereas all other gonadal hormonal levels were within normal reference ranges, including the total and free testosterone levels. The total cumulative dose of equivalent GCs was 240 mg, which resulted in a decrease in total testosterone levels, and subsequent hypogonadism. Oral dexamethasone at a lower total cumulative dose resulted in hypogonadism.

Prospective two‐arm study of the testicular function in patients with COVID‐19

“…However, the above‐mentioned effects are still a matter for discussion but the effect of corticosteroids on male hypogonadism has been reported previously. 22 …”

Associations of body shape phenotypes with sex steroids and their binding proteins in the UK Biobank cohort

“…It is interesting, however, that it was total and not free testosterone, which is expected to be biologically active, that matched lean mass. An alternative explanation, therefore, may be a common factor such as glucocorticoids, which in excess lead to visceral obesity, low testosterone levels, and muscle atrophy 29 – 31 . Glucocorticoids can inhibit gonadal steroid production at all levels of the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis 32 , 33 , and contribute to Leiding cell apoptosis 34 .…”

Effect of Chronic Heart Failure Complicated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Cognitive Function in the Elderly

“…Some clinical data also show that there is serious cognitive impairment in senile CHF itself, and diabetes is the main factor in the development of CHF, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is especially common in CHF patients with CI [11][12][13]. e mortality caused by the combination of the two is higher than that in nondiabetic patients, which further aggravates the cognitive impairment, increases the hospitalization rate and mortality, and the quality of life of patients is seriously affected [14,15]. However, some studies have found that type 2 diabetes is the main factor leading to dementia and cognitive impairment in patients with CHF, and type 2 diabetes is likely to be an independent risk factor for CI [16].…”