Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone hypogonadism on insulin action as assessed by hyperglycemic clamp studies in men.

Objective: To investigate the effects of decreasing androgen levels on insulin action, in view of the relationship between hyperandrogenism and impaired insulin action in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Design: Prospective, clinical study.

Setting: University hospital.

Patient(s): Ten normal healthy men.

Intervention(s): Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, 3.75 mg, administered monthly for 3 months.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Insulin action (M/I ratio).

Result(s): The M/I ratio decreased from 0.24 +/- 0.04 to 0.17 +/- 0.04 after GnRH agonist therapy.

Conclusion(s): In normal men, administration of a GnRH analogue was associated with a decrease in both testosterone levels and insulin action.