Routine hormonal screening of infertile men: is it worthwhile?

More than 800 men referred for infertility have been evaluated in a male infertility clinic. Routine hormonal screening of these patients has included at various times thyroid function studies, 24-hour urine samples for 17-ketosteroids and pregnanetriol, serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, serum 17-alpha-hydroxy progesterone, testosterone and prolactine in some instances. The results of this hormonal screening are analyzed and discussed from the point of view of positive diagnostic findings and success of treatment. An outline and recommendations for the routine use of such studies are made.