Cognitive effects of short-term manipulation of serum sex steroids in healthy young men.
We examined the effects of sex steroids on cognitive functioning by exogenously manipulating circulating T levels in a group of healthy young men. Thirty-two men were randomized to receive 8 wk of treatment including: 1) im T enanthate 100 mg/wk plus daily oral placebo (T); 2) im placebo/wk plus 125 microg daily oral levonorgestrel (LNG); 3) im T enanthate 100 mg/wk plus 125 microg daily oral LNG (T + LNG); 4) im placebo/wk plus daily oral placebo. Cognitive functions were assessed at baseline and twice during treatment. Serum T and E2 levels were significantly increased in the T and T + LNG groups compared with baseline (P < 0.01) and T levels were significantly decreased in the LNG group (P < 0.05). Verbal memory significantly decreased in the LNG group (P < 0.01) and was maintained by coadministration of T in the T + LNG group. Divided attention was unaffected in the LNG group but improved significantly in the T + LNG group. In summary, decreased serum T levels induced by LNG or direct effects of the progestin, LNG, adversely affects verbal memory in normal young men. These results suggest that short-term changes in sex steroid levels have effects on cognitive function in healthy young men.
Cherrier
Monique M
MM
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. cherrier@u.washington.edu
Anawalt
B D
BD
Herbst
K L
KL
Amory
J K
JK
Craft
S
S
Matsumoto
A M
AM
Bremner
W J
WJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010919:Placebos; D013739:Testosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors
D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D010919:Placebos; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D016912:Levonorgestrel; C004648:testosterone enanthate