Testosterone supplementation therapy in the treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome

Postgrad Med. 2014 Nov;126(7):149-56. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2014.11.2843.

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a clinical complex of patient risk factors, including increased waist circumference, high triglyceride levels, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance, the presence of which increases the likelihood of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. With a quarter of the American adult population affected, MetS and type 2 diabetes mellitus have been referred to as the most significant public health threats of the 21st century. Lifestyle modification and weight loss are recommended, however, no specific pharmacologic treatment is known. Given that low levels of testosterone have been implicated in the pathogenesis of MetS and an inverse relationship exists between circulating testosterone levels and the development of MetS, it is tempting to speculate that men with MetS may benefit from testosterone supplementation therapy. As such, our review examines the role of testosterone and the use of testosterone supplementation therapy as a treatment in men with MetS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Metabolic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Metabolic Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Obesity / blood
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / analysis
  • Testosterone / administration & dosage*
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
  • Testosterone