EFFECTS ON THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM OFLONG-TERM TREATMENT WITH THE LUTEINIZING-HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE AGONIST LEUPROLIDE IN PATIENTS WITH BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Hormonal changes resulting from long-term use of the luteinizing hormo ne-releasing hormone agonist leuprolide depot were studied in a random ized placebo-controlled study comprising 50 evaluable patients with be nign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A total of 26 patients received 3.75 mg leuprolide depot intramuscularly every 28 days for 24 weeks and 24 received a placebo. The patients were followed up for a further 24-we ek period. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone decreased by 90 % and follicle-stimulating hormone by 55% during the treatment period. Mean testosterone levels decreased by 96% to 0.7 nmol l(-1) and dihyd rotestosterone decreased by 90%. The adrenal androgens androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate decreased by 48 and 24%, respecti vely. In most patients, estradiol decreased to non-detectable values, while the decrease in estrone was 35%. There was no change in prolacti n and sex hormone-binding globulin as compared to the placebo group. H ormonal changes were reversible, but the suppression of testicular hor mone production was not completely normalized in all patients 24 weeks after discontinuation of the treatment.