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Analysis of serum reproductive hormones in patients with erectile dysfunction and symptomatic late-onset hypogonadism

LIANG Guo-qing1, LI Jian-hui2, ZHENG Jun-biao2, YU Xiao-hua2, SHI Hui-juan3, ZHU Qian-xi3, WANG Jun2, LI Yu-min2, SUN Jian-ming1, ZHANG Shu-cheng4, LI Zheng5   

  1. 1. Department of Andrology, the Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China; 2. Department of Urology, the First People’s Hospital of Jiashan, Jiashan 314100, China; 3. Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China; 4. National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China; 5. Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, China
  • Online:2016-11-28 Published:2016-11-29
  • Supported by:

    Talents Training Program of Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, QMX2016-02; National Science and Technology Basic Work Program, 2013FY110500

Abstract:

Objective · To explore the correlation between reproductive hormones and symptomatic late-onset hypogonadism combined with erectile dysfunction (SLOH/ED) via observing the changes in serum reproductive hormones in patients with SLOH/ED. Methods · Questionnaire survey was used and 3 000 males aged 40 to 80 years with regular sexual partners were selected with random cluster and age-stratified multi-phase disproportionate samplings. SLOH was evaluated with the aging male symptoms (AMS) scale. ED was evaluated with the simplified international index of erectile function (IIEF-5). Serum reproductive hormones such as total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were examined. Bioavailable testosterone (Bio-T) was calculated. The correlation between reproductive hormones and SLOH/ED was analyzed using univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses. Results · The study population consisted of 2 588 eligible males with a mean age of (57.95±8.50) years. SLOH (AMS≥27) was observed in 930 (35.94%) males. Of them, 812 (31.38%) had ED. 739 (28.56%) had neither SLOH nor ED. Logistic regression analyses revealed that TT and FT levels were not significantly correlated with SLOH/ED, while the correlation of age, SHBG, and Bio-T with SLOH/ED was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion · SHBG and Bio-T are significantly correlated with SLOH/ED and can correctly reflect reproductive hormone levels in patients with SLOH/ED.

Key words: symptomatic late-onset hypogonadism, erectile function, reproductive hormones, sex hormone-binding globulin, bioavailable testosterone