Metabolic syndrome linked to testosterone deficiency

Among men studied, those with a history of diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidemia have a higher prevalence of hypogonadism, according to new research issued today at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Fourteenth Annual Meeting and Clinical Congress.

Hypogonadism, defined by low testosterone levels in men, is a complex syndrome. Of the 2,162 men in the study, prevalence rate of hypogonadism was 50% for those with diabetes, 42% those with hypertension and 40% for those with hyperlipidemia. Common symptoms associated with hypogonadism include sexual dysfunction, fatigue or weakness, or mood changes.

According to the AACE Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Evaluation and Treatment of Hypgonadism in Adult Male Patients – 2002 Update, the recognition, evaluation, and treatment of hypogonadism in the male patient are often dismissed by the patient and overlooked by the physician. The symptoms and signs of hypogonadism should be identified through appropriate questioning of the patient and a directed physical examination. Testosterone replacement therapy can often enable the patient to function in a more normal manner and decrease the risk of future problems with fertility, mood disturbances, fatigue, impaired virilization, and osteoporosis.