Gonadal function in young adult males with metabolic syndrome

Aim of the study was to assess the gonadal function of young adult males with metabolic syndrome and to compare them with healthy age matched controls.

Forty young male subjects of age group 20-40 years who fulfilled the IDF criteria (2005) for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome were included in the study. Thorough evaluation of the subjects was done and history of sexual dysfunction if any was noted. Pooled blood samples were collected from each subject in fasting state for total testosterone, SHBG, FSH, LH, prolactin and insulin levels. All hormonal analyses were done by radio immune assay (RIA). Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone less than 3ng/ml. Eighteen healthy age matched controls were also taken for the study.

Twenty percent of subjects with metabolic syndrome had eugonadotropic hypogonadism compared to 5.5% controls. Subjects with metabolic syndrome also had significantly lower SHBG level compared to the controls.

From this study it has been observed that eugonadotropic hypogonadism with low total testosterone and normal or low normal gonadotropin levels may be a feature of the metabolic syndrome in young adult males. Significant low SHBG levels as compared to controls could be one of the factors responsible for various biochemical alteration seen in these cases. This study highlights the importance of evaluating gonadal function in young adult males with the metabolic syndrome and has therapeutic implications in the management of such subjects with gonadal dysfunction.