EFFECTS OF STARVATION ON SEX HORMONES IN THE MALE

Abstract

During nearly two years of starvation in a Japanese Prisoner of War Camp (Cabanatuan, P. I.), many prisoners exhibited evidence of androgen suppression, and as a result, the "castration syndrome". Early in starvation there was a universal loss of libido and absence of nocturnal emissions. Later the hair became thin, and hairy chests, arms, and legs, almost bare. Shaving was not necessary as often as previously. The skin became thin and loose. Sebaceous glands became atrophic and no longer contained comedos. The prisoners who had suffered from acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis were freed of their lesions. After nearly 2 yr. of starvation each prisoner received 4 Red Cross parcels, which made the diet adequate for from 2-4 mo. Within a matter of wks. there was complete recovery from the "castration syndrome" due to stimulation of the sex hormones. At the same time 300 cases of gynecomastia developed due to increased estrogen stimulation. Subsequent starvation caused the disappearance of the gynecomastia and reappearance of the castration syndrome. Liberation and adequate diet 20 mo. later again resulted in recovery from the castration syndrome and reappearance of the gynecomastia, which disappeared spontaneously within a few months. Many of the liberated prisoners had feared impotence or sterility as a result of 40 mo. of starvation, but a lapse of more than 2 yr. since V-J day has resulted in a normal number of pregnancies of the prisoners'' wives, and in a normal birth rate of apparently healthy babies.