Hypoandrogen-metabolic (HAM) syndrome: an important men's health issue

Hypoandrogenaemia (hypogonadism, hypotestosteronaemia) may be a common accompanying factor in men with the metabolic syndrome and together they may be considered as a specific entity, the hypoandrogen-metabolic (HAM) syndrome. Both hypoandrogenaemia and the metabolic syndrome are common and their prevalence increases with age. Hypoandrogenaemia may be an aetiological factor in the development of the metabolic syndrome and both share similar co-morbid factors. Obesity, low androgen levels and the metabolic syndrome are common findings in Western middle-aged and elderly men and place them at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. In the absence of contraindications, men with HAM and symptoms of androgen deficiency may be managed by testosterone replacement therapy along with weight reduction and other measures to normalise glucose, insulin, lipid and blood pressure control.