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

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of decreasing androgen levels on insulin action, in view of the relationship between hyperandrogenism and impaired insulin action in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

DESIGN

Prospective, clinical study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S): Ten normal healthy men.

INTERVENTION(S): Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, 3.75 mg, administered monthly for 3 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Insulin action (M/I ratio).

RESULT(S): The M/I ratio decreased from 0.24 +/- 0.04 to 0.17 +/- 0.04 after GnRH agonist therapy.

CONCLUSION(S): In normal men, administration of a GnRH analogue was associated with a decrease in both testosterone levels and insulin action.