Binding capacity of testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin (TeBG), total and calculated unbound concentrations of testosterone in patients with carcinoma of the prostate treated with orchidectomy or estrogens.

Testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin (TeBG) binding capacity, total estradiol-17 beta and total testosterone were measured in patients with carcinoma of the prostate treated with orchidectomy or estrogens. Comparisons were made with a control group. There was a significant increase in TeBG binding capacity in the group treated with estrogens. Both orchidectomy and estrogen-treatment decreased total testosterone significantly and to the same degree. The concentration of free testosterone was calculated using a new method, and was found to be lower in orchidectomized and estrogen treated patients when compared with the control group. When the two groups under treatment were compared, the calculated free testosterone concentration was significantly lower in the estrogen treated group.