ABSTRACT AIM: to review information resources on this problem for the provision of modern knowledge in the pathogenesis of this pathology. Materials and Methods: An analysis of data from literary sources and medical articles in Pub Med. Result: during the analysis of the articles, we came to the conclusion that testosterone and cortisol levels affect the development of metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of abnormalities that predispose individuals to diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients with metabolic syndrome exhibit hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system, resulting in "functional hypercorticism." Stress increases the sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11HSD1), which is involved in the metabolism of glucocorticoids in peripheral tissues (especially in adipose tissue and liver), has been implicated in metabolic syndrome and central obesity. Increased expression of 11HSD1 in adipocytes leads to excessive glucocorticoid activity. KEY WORDS: metabolic syndrome, cortisol,testosterone,obesity,diabetes