ANDROGEN TREATMENT WITHOUT INHIBITING EFFECT ON HYPOPHYSIS AND MALE GONADS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Up to the present only C 17 -alkylated testosterone- and androstenediolderivates have been used for oral androgen treatment. These steroids given in higher doses or for longer periods all have an inhibitory effect on gonadotrophin secretion of the hypophysis and on the testicular tissue. Investigations with Mesterolone (1-methyl-androstane-17β-ol-3-one), a new androgen, are described. Like other investigators we did not find any inhibitory effect on gonadotrophin-secretion and on the number of spermatozoa. We further showed that there is no effect on the testicular tissue when Mesterolone is given up to a total dose of 12 570 mg over 4 months. 17-ketosteroid excretion in the urine is increased by the metabolite 1α-methyl-androsterone. 17-ketogenic steroids are also increased, and this cannot be explained at present. There is no impairment of hepatic function. The androgenic effect of Mesterolone is good. The absence of inhibition of gonadotrophin-secretion by Mesterolone could be explained by the fact, that the ring A in the steroid molecule is saturated. This kind of steroid cannot be aromatized to oestrogens, which have the greatest inhibiting effect on the gonadotrophin-function of the hypophysis.