"In a study of pesticide factory workers exposed to organophosphate pesticides, there was a negative correlation between urinary levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and sperm count and between urinary FSH level and sperm concentration. Pesticide exposure alone was associated with serum level of luteinizing hormone (LH) but not with serum FSH or testosterone or with any urinary hormone levels. With adjustment for age, rotating shift work, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, exposure increased serum LH level; serum FSH level was slightly elevated and the serum testosterone level was decreased with increasing exposure. Age and rotating shift work appeared to act as confounders. It was concluded that organophosphate pesticides have a small effect on male reproductive hormones, suggestive of a secondary hormonal disturbance after testicular damage. "

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