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

Objective

In view of the relationship between hyperandrogenism and impaired insulin action in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, we sought to investigate the effects of decreasing androgen levels on insulin action in men.

Design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

University hospital.

Patient(s)

Ten normal healthy men.

Intervention(s)

GnRH agonist, 3.75 mg monthly for 3 months.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Rate of glucose uptake, serum insulin, and glucose levels.

Result(s)

GnRH treatment caused a significant fall in circulating testosterone levels, from 572 ± 58 ng/dL to 178 ± 66 ng/dL (P<.05). However, as assessed by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp studies, there was no significant change in glucose uptake.

Conclusion(s)

In normal men, administration of a GnRH analogue was associated with a decrease in testosterone levels but not in insulin action.

Key Words:  GnRH , euglycemic clamp , insulin action , testosterone