On teststerone during alcohol withdrawal in men : Effects on mood and insulin-like growth factor 1

Abstract: The decrease of testosterone levels after alcohol ingestion is seen in both non-alcoholic and alcohol dependent patients. Mood effects during hangover and alcohol detoxification are common symptoms. In ageing men a connection has been observed between lowered testosterone levels and depressive symptoms as well as cognitive impairment. Mood effects in combination with lower testosterone values exhibit similarities between ageing men and alcohol dependent patients after a drinking period. The aims of the study were: to study the testosterone levels during detoxification and after three weeks of sobriety, to investigate possible connections between reduced testosterone levels and psychological symptoms in an acute alcohol detoxification situation, to survey the mood parameters during detoxification and after a period of sobriety, and to investigate the effects of testosterone supplementation on the levels of insulin-like growth factor I. It was found that after an alcohol drinking period depressive symptoms were connected to lower testosterone levels. During three weeks of sobriety testosterone values slowly increased while LH and FSH initially decreased and later increased. Also, most mood parameters improved after three weeks. After testosterone supplementation a significant increase of the IGF-I values was observed at Day 4 as well as higher scores for vigour. In the placebo group a significant decrease of tension-anxiety, anger-hostility and confusion were found.