[Gonadotropin secretion in children with galactosemia].

Basal and stimulated gonadotropin levels were evaluated in 8 children with galactosemia (2 boys, 6 girls). 5 girls demonstrated increased gonadotropin concentrations being in accordance with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. It appears, that galactose and its metabolites-either dietary or by self-intoxication-exerts a toxic effect on the ovarian parenchyma, whereas the testis seems to be resistant to the damaging agent.