The effect of clomiphene on uncastrated and castrated male transsexuals

Abstract

Clomiphene was administered at a daily dose of 100 mg for 5 consecutive days to 2 groups of male subjects. There were 3 uncastrated male transsexuals (Group A) and 9 castrated male transsexuals (Group B). In the uncastrated subjects clomiphene enhanced the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) starting from day 3 of treatment. The magnitude of the increment ranged from 150%-250% over the mean basal plasma level for LH, 113%-262% for FSH and 12%-68% for T. In contrast, clomiphene suppressed both FSH and LH in the castrated subjects. Equal suppression of both the gonadotrophins were observed. The levels of FSH and LH in plasma on day 3 were suppressed to 66.4% and 66.2% of their respective mean basal levels. Two days after the termination of treatment, suppressions were maintained. These results suggest that clomiphene acts as an anti-estrogen in uncastrated male transsexuals, and in castrated male transsexuals who have subphysiological levels of estradiol it acts as a weak estrogen.