Levels of gonadotropic and sexual hormones in men with thyroid cancer in the dynamics of treatment

Abstract

Aim of the study. To study the status of pituitary-gonadal  axis in men with thyroid cancer at different stages of treatment. Materials and methods. 24 men of  eproductive age (21 to 40 years) with thyroid cancer and 26 virtually healthy men aged from 20 to 45 years have been followed up. The following indices were tested  for all study subjects: concentration of total and free testosterone (T total, T free), LH, FSH, estradiol and prolactin, sex steroid-binding globulin, antispermatic  antibodies (As/Ab) in blood serum. The patients with thyroid cancer were examined before thyroidectomy, in one month after it (prior to radiotherapy, under condition  of hypothyroidism), and in 4 and 12 months after one course of radioiodine therapy. Hormones’ levels were tested by the immunoenzymic method (analyzer  Stat Fax 3200) using standard kits from DRG Firm. Results of the study. Mean blood concentrations of total and free testosterone in men with thyroid cancer  before treatment, in 4 and 12 months after 1 course of radioiodine therapy did not significantly differ from indices of the control group, while mean level of estradiol  was significantly increased. Mean levels of total and free testosterone and estradiol were not significantly differed from controls in 12 months after 1 course of therapy.  FSH level were significantly increased in men with thyroid cancer in 4 months after 1 course of radioiodine therapy, but it was significantly lower than in the  control group and in the patient group in 4 months after radiotherapy. Mean LH indices in study patients in one course after radioiodine therapy did not significantly change. Men with thyroid cancer had significantly increased mean levels of antispermatic antibodies in 4 and 12 months after one radioiodine therapy  course.