Serum Levels of Reproductive Hormones and Their Relationship with Age in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Benin City, Edo State

Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition which occurs as men get older. Aim: We aimed at investigating the reproductive hormone profile of men with BPH and the relationship of these hormones with age. Methods: Twenty-nine men of age > 40 years were screened for prostate symptoms. The prostate examination included digital rectal examination and measurement of serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Demographic and clinical characteristics of subjects were obtained using a structured questionnaire. The serum levels of Testosterone (Te), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Prolactin (PRL) were measured using ELISA method. Results: Our study indicated that age and levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), LH and FSH were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in men with BPH compared with healthy controls. In contrast, the control group indicated significantly (p < 0.05) higher Te level compared with the BPH group. In patients with BPH, age was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones (LH, FSH and PRL), but not with the sex hormone, and testosterone. Majority (62.1%) of the patients with BPH indicated they had poor libido, while none of them indicated regular sexual activity with their spouses. Conclusion: This study suggests that the rise in serum levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones in BPH patients as demonstrated by the present findings may be age-related since testicular dysfunction in aging men is associated with the decrease in androgen production which may stimulate an increased production of gonadotropins by negative feedback.

Reproductive Hormone Profiles and Their Relationships with Sexual Function in Patients with Prostate Cancer after Rapid Prostatectomy in Benin City

There are limited studies examining the relationship between serum reproductive hormone levels and sexual functions among prostate cancer (PCa) patients after rapid prostatectomy (RP). Aim: The present study aimed at evaluating the correlation between post-operative serum levels of some male reproductive hormones of PCa patients and their sexual functions in the months following RP. A total of 20 male patients with clinically localized PCa who had undergone RP within the last 12 months prior to commencement of the study, were invited to participate. The postoperative serum levels of their luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone (Te) were measured. They also completed a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire to obtain information on their demographic characteristics and detailed medical history. Our data indicated normal mean levels of post-operative Te (4.34 ± 4.38 ng/ml) in the patients following RP, while the mean levels of FSH (39.24 ± 34.12 miu/ml) and LH (21.67 ± 25.73 miu/ml) were on the increase and far above normal ranges for healthy men. Data indicated a significant positive correlation between Te and frequency of sexual intercourse (r = 508;p < 0.05), libido (r = 0.429;p < 0.05) and penile erection (r = 0.494;p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between FSH or LH and any of the sexual function parameters. The present study indicated that radical prostatectomy affected reproductive hormones by increasing LH and FSH concentrations above normal ranges for healthy men, while Te concentrations remained within normal range in the months following RP. The postoperative serum total Te concentrations of the patients were significantly associated with their postoperative sex drive, penile erection and frequency of sexual intercourse.