Thyroid, cortisol and growth hormone levels in adult Nigerians with metabolic syndrome.

Introduction: The similarities in presentation of cortisol excess, growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome suggest that subtle abnormalities of these endocrine hormones may play a causal role in the development of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to determine the levels of cortisol, thyroid and growth hormones in adult Nigerians with metabolic syndrome and determine the relationship between levels of these hormones and components of the syndrome.

Methods: This was a case control study conducted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.