Low Values for Sebum in Eunuchs and öphorectomized Women. ∗

Abstract

Summary and conclusions

Comparisons of intact and castrate males indicate that testicular secretions or their metabolites are responsible for the increased amount of sebum observed in males after sexual maturation. Values for sebum were less in öphorectomized than in intact women, which suggests that ovarian secretions or their metabolites may also enhance sebaceous function. Sebum values remained high in tests made 4 weeks after orchiectomy. A long latent period before sebum values decline markedly upon reduction in androgenic stimulation (even with the sudden and drastic decrease afforded by castration) should be considered in evaluating therapy designed to reduce sebaceous secretions and acneform responses.