Abstract
The symptoms of male hypogonadism can be subtle. The diagnosis must be based on a high degree of suspicion coupled with the finding of low total testosterone, low free testosterone, or low bioavailable testosterone. Appropriate therapy of low testosterone results in improvement of signs and symptoms. The improvements directly related to metabolic syndrome (MetS) are: increased muscle mass, decreased fat mass, and decreased insulin resistance. The correlation of low testosterone with MetS has recently gained impetus with evidence revealing a correlation of low testosterone levels and low levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) serving as predictors of the development of MetS and diabetes mellitus type 2. The treatment of hypogonadism in males may be accomplished by several methods of testosterone replacement or the stimulation of testosterone production. Given the association of low SHBG and low T levels with MetS, and the potentially positive effects on MetS and diabetes type 2 with treatment of male hypogonadism, further studies are warranted to evaluate hypogonadal treatment effect on MetS, diabetes type 2, and cardiovascular disease. Drug Dev. Res. 67:612–615, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.