Sexual dysfunction (SD) is one of the late complications in survivors after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and the gonadal hormones might be involved in the pathogenesis of this pathological process. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of SD by questionnaire, to explore the relationship between SD and the comprehensive gonadal hormones in patients post HSCT. We identified 72 survivors of hematological diseases who underwent HSCT. The sociodemographic characteristics and medical histories of participants were ascertained by a modified version of a questionnaire named "PPSAS-HSCT" in our study. Blood samples were regularly assayed for the global gonadal hormones. Forty-four percent of the females and 51% of the males reported a loss of interest in sexual activities. Ninety-two percent (23/25) of females exhibited decreased serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, and 74% (35/47) of males had elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. The males with a higher level of oestradiol/testosterone (E2/T) had more symptoms of SD after HSCT. Patients with GVHD who received glucocorticoid (GC) therapy exhibited a lower level of testosterone and more serious SD, especially in the female population. SD and abnormal gonadal hormone homeostasis were present in more than half of the survivors after HSCT. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and glucocorticoid treatment were confirmed to have a significant impact on the levels of testosterone among females. A multimodal intervention for the survivors after HSCT and a better consciousness of the medical staff are necessary for improving the quality of life of the recipients.
Keywords: Abnormal gonadal hormones; Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Sexual dysfunction.
© 2021. Society for Reproductive Investigation.