[Use of a dynamic test with HCG for evaluation of endocrine function in gonads of men with chronic alcohol abuse].

We studied 40 chronic alcoholic men (aged 39 +/- 11) after alcohol withdrawal. We excluded in these patients severe internal organs disorders (first of all liver dysfunction) and seminal pathology. We analysed (in HCG test) plasma levels of: luteinizing hormone--LH, follicle stimulating hormone--FSH, total testosterone--T, free testosterone--fT, estradiol--E, 17-OH progesterone, sex hormone binding globulin--SHBG. Our results suggest: 1) decreased testicular reserve of free testosterone and normal level of total testosterone, 2) decreased initial level and functional reserve of 17-OH progesterone, 3) mild hyperoestrogenism, 4) no significant difference of LH, FSH, SHBG levels between alcoholics and controls, 5) these results were not changed after 6 months observation. These results indicate on subclinic alcoholic hypogonadism.