Private MD News

Boosting testosterone levels may improve symptoms of metabolic syndrome

Category: Male Specific Tests

Men who have risk factors for metabolic syndrome may want to talk to their doctor about blood testing to measure their testosterone levels. New research indicates that treating low testosterone may help men overcome the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

Numerous studies have shown that low testosterone can play a role in the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The latter is a collection of conditions that include unhealthy cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and abdominal obesity.

In the current study, researchers administered testosterone-replacement supplements to 261 men diagnosed with hypogonadism. The results showed that after 57 weeks of supplementation, the number of participants who could be classified as having metabolic syndrome dropped from 56 percent to 30 percent.

"When indicated, testosterone treatment is both essential and safe in elderly patients with symptomatic late onset hypogonadism, or testosterone deficiency," said lead researcher Aksam A. Yassin.

Still, he added that more research should be conducted to confirm the findings. If confirmed, the results could offer a simple method for dealing with metabolic syndrome.