Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormones in patients with gout.

Plasma levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, progesterone, 17 beta-estradiol, and cortisol were examined in normal subjects and gout patients under baseline conditions and after clomiphene stimulation. A significant decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and 17 beta-estradiol was observed both in male and female gout patients; in the same patients, the plasma testosterone: 17 beta-estradiol ratio was found to be significantly higher than in control subjects. The changes observed suggest a possible role played by 17 beta-estradiol in the regulation of purine biosynthesis and uric acid metabolism.