Serum Thyrotropin responses to Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone in medium- and long-term abstinent alcohol dependent patients

Twenty-three euthymic alcoholics in medium- and long-term abstinence were studied as were 20 healthy controls. All underwent a Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone/Thyrotropin Stimulating Hormone (TRH/TSH) stimulation test. Ninety per cent of medium-term abstinent and 100 per cent of long-term abstinent alcoholics had a response within the normal range. However, overall, the TSH responses to TRH were significantly less than in controls. Our study suggests that while there is some improvement in TRH/TSH responses in long-term abstinent patients, there is still evidence of hypo function in those over 1 year alcohol-free.