| Abstract: | Study of the hormonal activity of the gonads of 97 males suffering from chronic alcoholism was undertaken to investigate the effects on hormonal secretion. An increased synthesis of androgens and estrogens was noted. The regularity of this increased with the duration of alcoholism. It is thought that the increased synthesis of sex hormones in chronic alcoholism is a defense adaptation directed to reducing the unfavorable effects of high concentration of alcohol in the blood. Alcoholism treatment involving teturam along with abstinence of alcohol caused a decrease in the functional activity of gonads, indicating the reversibility of this effect. The nature of functional alteration in the synthesis of sex hormones shows that it plays an essential role in the genesis of sexual impotence in alcoholism, through dyshormonal disruption of the endocrinal system. |
