Objective: To observe effects of acupuncture combined with medication on reproductive endocrines in the patient of partial androgen deficiency of aging men (PADAM).
Methods: Sixty cases conforming to diagnostic criteria of PADAM were randomly divided into 3 groups, an observation group treated by acupuncture combined with medication, a control group I by simple acupuncture and a control group II by oral administration of Bushen Capsules, 20 cases in each group. Serum levels of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) before and after treatment were determined with radioimmunoassay.
Results: After treatment, the serum levels of T in the 3 groups increased significantly, with more significantly increased in the observation group (P < 0.01); after treatment, the serum levels of LH in both the observation group and the control group I decreased significantly (P < 0.05), but in the control group II did not significantly change (P > 0.05); after treatment, FSH content in the observation group significantly increased (P < 0.05), but in the control group I and the control group II did not significantly change (P > 0.05); after treatment, the symptoms and signs in the 3 groups significantly improved and PADAM indexes decreased significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with medication has a better therapeutic effect on PADAM, and it can regulate secretion of hormones in the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicle axis and can increase blood T level, improve physical ability, vascular function, sexual function and quality of life in the patient of PADAM.