Late-Onset Hypogonadism in Male Patients Over 60 Years of Age with Metabolic Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine serum androgen levels and the frequency of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in patients over 60 years of age with metabolic syndrome (MS) and its correlation with parameters of MS.
Material and Method: Men over 60 years of age who were diagnosed with MS according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria in the internal medicine outpatient clinics at Cerrahpasa Medical School (n=30) and healthy controls (n=30) were included in the study. Total testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were analysed. Bioavailable and free testosterone levels were calculated. The participants filled up the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire forms themselves without any help of the physician.
Results: LOH rates were 30% and 13.3% in the MS group and healthy control group, respectively (p=0.11). Serum total testosterone and SHBG levels were significantly lower in the MS group compared to controls (p=0.004 and p=0.003, respectively). A negative correlation was found between total testosterone and MS components. BDI and AMS questionnaire scores in the two groups were not significantly different.
Discussion: Serum total testosterone and SHBG levels were lower in the MS group, and inversely proportional to this, insulin resistance and intensity of MS components were increased.