Gonadal Function in Men with Cushing Syndrome

In this study, researchers analyzed gonadal abnormalities in 37 males with Cushing syndrome (CS) compared to 10 age-matched healthy men. They found that 65.7% of the men with CS reported decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, and 18.9% had gynecomastia. Testosterone levels were significantly lower in men with CS (2.79±1.62 ng/ml) compared to healthy men (6.69±3.87 ng/ml), with 67.5% having low testosterone levels (<3 ng/ml). Prolactin levels were higher in the CS group, while FSH and LH levels showed no significant difference. A positive correlation was found between cortisol and FSH levels. The study concluded that CS caused hypogonadism in 65% of the men, likely due to glucocorticoid excess affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary level, and recommended that men with hypogonadism or gynecomastia be checked for CS.