Prospective study of histological and endocrine parameters of gonadal function in boys with cryptorchidism

Our observation of lower plasma LH levels in the group with the most pronounced testicular pathology was the opposite of what we would have expected if testicular pathological changes were caused by a primary gonadal defect. Therefore, low plasma LH levels in the HIR group confirmed the notion that this group of patients with cryptorchidism had hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The estimated incidence of defective mini-puberty in boys with cryptorchidism could be as high as 50%. Testicular biopsies from boys with cryptorchidism lacked Ad spermatogonia. Fertility parameters worsened with age. Significantly lower basal LH in the HIR group indicated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Serum hormone levels could not predict histological biopsy findings.