Metabolic syndrome with involvement of the male reproductive system

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is an endocrine disorder that involves systemic alterations of intermediate metabolism, cardiovascular, hormonal, and reproductive systems. It is characterized by central obesity, elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, which lead to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and renal diseases. At the clinical level, the central axis of patients with metabolic syndrome focuses on the prevention of cardiorenometabolic comorbidities, however, it's not common that the physician addresses the issue of male reproduction and its implications. Currently there is increasing evidence that patients with metabolic syndrome have low levels of testosterone, GnRH, FSH and LH and high levels of estrogen which impacts sperm quality, fertility, and sexual health, which can undoubtedly be reversible upon remission of the metabolic syndrome. This review addresses clinically how metabolic syndrome impacts the male reproductive system, addressing male fertility, testicular endocrine function, and sexual health.