Reversibility of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism associated with genetic haemochromatosis

Summary OBJECTIVE Recent reports have suggested that hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in men with genetic haemochromatosis can be reversed by aggressive venesection therapy. We have studied prospectively men with this complication of haemochromatosis in order to document the frequency and completeness of recovery from hypogonadism. PATIENTS AND DESIGN Six men with symptomatic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and genetic haemochromatosis were studied before beginning venesection therapy and again after depletion of body iron stores. MEASUREMENT Symptoms of hypogonadism, serum gonadotrophins and serum total and free testosterone concentrations. RESULTS Five men aged 47–66 showed no symptomatic improvement and no change in serum gonadotrophin or testosterone concentrations. The symptoms of one man, aged 33, resolved completely after venesection and this was accompanied by increases in serum LH and FSH. Serum total and free testosterone concentrations increased fourfold, but remained subnormal. CONCLUSION Only one partial recovery from hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism was seen and this was in the youngest subject. In reviewing the other documented cases of reversal it would appear that the age at diagnosis is critical and there are no proven cases of reversal of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in men over the age of 40 at the start of venesection therapy.