Hypogonadism in Cirrhosis | PGI Frequently Asked Medical PG topics

Hypogonadism in cirrhosis is due to 

A. Direct effect of alcohol on testes 
B. Increased estrogen due to decreased catabolism 
C. Increased peripheral conversion of androgens into estrogen 
D. Increased testosterone 
E. None of the above

Ans. A. Direct effect of alcohol on testes ; (B) Increased estrogen due to decreased catabolism; (C) Increased peripheral conversion of androgens into estrogen 

• The testicular atrophy is due to disorder of hormonal metabolism or direct toxic effect on testis. 

• In cirrhosis of liver a combined testicular and pituitary abnormality leads to decreased testosterone production. The decreased testosterone (i.e. androgen insufficiency) production most likely results from inhibition of LH secretion by estrogens in patients with chronic liver disease.