The dependence of the clonidine growth hormone test on alcohol drinking habits and the menstrual cycle.

ABSTRACT

The dependence of the growth hormone (GH) response to clonidine (CLON) on alcohol drinking habits and on the menstrual cycle was investigated. GH response to CLON (0.15 mg i.v.) was blunted in 6 of 9 male, regularly beer-drinking non-depressed probands. After 14-17 and 30-37 days of abstinency, the probands showed a slight but not significant increase of the CLON stimulated GH maxima, and with great variability. During their menses, female probands had a significantly lower GH response to CLON than during ovulation. For these reasons, both alcohol drinking habits and, in females, the day of the menstrual cycle should be considered when the CLON-GH test is carried out in clinical studies.