Effect of omeprazole on reproductive hormonal levels and sexual function in male patients with peptic ulcer disease

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the effects of Omeprazole at a fixed dose on sexual function (by self reporting questionnaire) and serum levels of testosterone, prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) in newly diagnosed male patients with peptic ulcer disease, in comparison to healthy controls. Patients and Methods: Patients were received and interviewed in Ibn- Sina Hospital, out-patient clinic, medical section and were selected  according to certain criteria. From 60 male patients selected only 43 completed the follow-up study. Initially sexual function were assessed using a self-reporting questionnaire and a blood samples were taken with assay of serum testosterone, prolactin, FSH, LH and E2 using Minividus technique. Patients than put on Omeprazole therapy 20mg twice daily for 45 days with Clarithromycin 500mg twice daily and Metronidazole 500mg twice daily for the initial 10 days. By the end of the suggested period of follow-up, sexual function were assessed by self-reporting questionnaire and other blood samples were taken with assay of serum testosterone, prolactin, FSH, LH and E2 using the same analytical technique. Included in this study also forty apparently healthy age, matched male volunteers as a control group . Blood samples were also withdrawn from them and assay of serum testosterone prolactin, FSH, LH and E2 were done , with assessment of sexual function using the same self reporting questionnaire. For both groups ( the patients and controls), body mass index were calculated using special equation. Results:There was insignificant differences in the parameters of sexual function between patients with peptic ulcer disease in the pre-therapy stages and the controls, so as in the serum levels of testosterone, prolactin, FSH, LH and E2. After therapy there was a significant differences in the mean serum level of testosterone from the pre-therapy stage and the controls, with insignificant differences in the sexual function parameters and serum levels of prolactin, FSH, LH and E2.
Conclusion: Long term Omeprazole therapy might cause a reduction in the level of testosterone hormone with insignificant effects on other sexual hormonal levels (prolactin, FSH, LH and E2) within significanteffect on sexual function, in male patients with peptic ulcer disease.