title: Isolated follicle-stimulating hormone deficiency in man.
abstract: Two men with serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) persistently below 3 mIU/ml and normal levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone, prolactin, cortisol, and testosterone are reported. The intravenous administration of thyrotropin-releasing factor led to a normal increase in TSH and prolactin levels. Gonadotropin-releasing factor stimulation resulted in a net increase of 2 mIU/ml and 25 mIU/ml for FSH and LH, respectively. The administration of clomiphene resulted in a normal FSH increase in both patients, an LH increase in one, and a serum testosterone increase in the other. These results suggest a possible defect for FSH production at a level above the pituitary. Semen analyses revealed abnormalities in motility and morphology. A testicular biopsy from one patient revealed delayed maturation of spermatogenesis. It is recommended that serum FSH determinations be included in studies of male infertility patients.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000172:deficiency*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones; D002996:Clomiphene; D013739:Testosterone; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013972:Thyrotropin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone