Annual patterns of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and inhibin in normal men

Abstract

Reproductive functions in most animals demonstrate seasonal fluctuations that allow young to be born at a time of the year favourable for their survival. Whether there is a seasonal change in the human reproductive system is unclear. In the present study, we measured serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and inhibin in the same 16 normal men sampled monthly for 1 year. A statistically significant increase in all four measured hormones was found in June, with a nadir in August. Our findings suggest that a circannual rhythm of gonadotrophins and testicular hormones exists in normal men. The mechanism leading to this rhythm and the importance of the rhythm in human biology are unknown.