Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the critical health concerns. The relationship between low total testosterone and MetS was reported in some studies. However, the association independent of other related components is not fully known. This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence rates of MetS among older men with and without hypogonadism and the related association. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 800 male subjects aged 60 years and older. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, total serum testosterone, and serum lipid profile were determined. The Iranian National Committee of Obesity criteria were used to define metabolic syndrome. Results: The mean total testosterone in the MetS group was significantly lower compared to the non-MetS group. Total testosterone showed significant inverse associations with triglycerides and waist circumference. The crude odds ratio for MetS between the low and high total testosterone groups was 1.43, which remained statistically significant after adjustments, while total testosterone levels showed no significant association with MetS after adjusting by BMI. Conclusion: Testosterone is negatively and independently associated with MetS regarding
age, smoking status and alcohol intake in Iranian men. Therefore, the early diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism should be considered in MetS prevention.
Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, testosterone, aged
