The Central Nervous System Effects of Pharmacologically Induced Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism With and Without Testosterone Replacement

Detailed Summary

There is evidence that suggests male sex hormones (androgens) play a significant role in brain (central nervous system) functioning. In studies conducted with animals, researchers have documented that male sex hormones (androgens) are associated with neurotransmitter (serotonin) function, sexual behavior, aggression, and other non-reproductive behavior. Similar findings have been seen in studies involving humans. Androgens are thought to be involved in some neurologic conditions. Tourette's syndrome which is seen more often in males than females has caused researchers to look more closely at the effects of androgens on the brain. This study is designed to examine the effects of testosterone on brain (CNS) activity by first stopping testosterone release and then replacing it. Researchers will evaluate mood, behavior, cognitive (mental) function, physiologic response to serotonergic agonists and regional cerebral blood flow (r-CBF). This study will attempt to answer the following questions; 1\. Is a person's mental functioning a result of being male or female (gender) or a result of the hormonal condition 3\. Does the decrease of blood flow (r-CBF) to specific areas of the brain (prefrontal cortex) in women whose ovaries are not releasing hormones (hypogonadal state) also occur in men 4\. Will the mental rotation task better identify hormone (gonadal steroid) differences in r-CBF 5\. Do hormones directly influence the responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis 6\. Does the hormonal state of a patient directly affect levels of chemicals and steroids in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

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